NBA MVP race 2019-20: Top 5 favorites for the award right now

#4 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid will be in contention to take home his first MVP award

With the majority of the NBA's top talent currently located in the West, the Eastern Conference provides Joel Embiid with the perfect platform to stand out. While the Sixers have lost back-to-back games, Embiid appears to be on the best roster in the East, and Philadelphia remain the favorites to advance to the Finals.

Embiid himself came back from the offseason in the best shape of his career, and he is also playing some of the best basketball of his career. He is currently averaging 24.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, and there is plenty more to come as he enters the prime of his career.

Embiid's importance to the Sixers was also highlighted during his two-game suspension, and with Ben Simmons failing to step up as a true second-star, Embiid will continue to stand out as the best player on the East's best team.

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#3 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard has made an excellent start to life in Los Angeles

After years of injury issues, Kawhi Leonard is finally healthy and has made an excellent start to the season following his heroic efforts for the Toronto Raptors during the 2019 NBA Finals. Over the first three weeks of the season, Leonard has embraced a leadership role on the Clippers, and his improved playmaking skills have further elevated his status as arguably the NBA's best player.

While his shooting has taken a slight dip, Leonard is averaging career highs in points, assists, and rebounds, and the 28-year-old has also excelled on big nights - notably outdueling Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

Nevertheless, Leonard's chances of taking home a first regular-season MVP award will be impacted by the Clippers' decision to remove him from selection for back-to-back games, so this is something to keep on eye out for in the coming weeks.