Former All-Star believes it's Joel Embiid's turn to win MVP

As another tight NBA MVP race nears its end, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic have gone the distance as favorites. 

While all three have a compelling case for the award, two-time All-NBA center DeMarcus Cousins told Rachel Nichols of 'Showtime Basketball' that it's Embiid's turn. 

"I think the other two guys have had theirs," Cousins said. "Let's reward the big fella." 

Cousins is one of many to voice this opinion, especially because Embiid has been so close to scooping up the award over the last few seasons. However, Cousins clarified that he was not simply backing Embiid simply because Antetokounmpo and Jokic are already two-time winners. 

"If it's just about the numbers and the season, it still leans toward Jo," Cousins said. "He's leading the league in scoring. He's dominating at an all-time high.

"Give the big fella his flowers. He deserves it. He really deserves it." 

Cousins is right. Embiid has been masterful this season. Through 55 games, Embiid leads the NBA in scoring (33.5) and ranks ninth in the league in rebounds (10.2). 

Furthermore, behind Embiid, the 76ers have quietly become a sleeper pick for the NBA Finals and possibly win. The Sixers have won six games in a row and hold the third-best record in the NBA at 46-22, trailing Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks (50-19) by only 3.5 games for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Embiid is also playing at his best when the games matter most. Over Philly's six-game streak, the star center is averaging 36.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.5 blocks while shooting 60 percent from the field. 

The 29-year-old's recent play has shifted the MVP conversation and we're beginning to see that echoed in sportsbooks. According to Oddschecker, Embiid (+100) is now the favorite to win MVP, followed by Jokic (+160) and Antetokounmpo (+370). 

Embiid has been on the doorstep before, but this season feels like his best shot yet to earn the allusive MVP nod.