Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss Joel Embiid's expected return to the Sixers, the charging Mavericks, and a trio of teams succeeding without an injured star. Plus, TrueHoop's David Thorpe joins to run through the top candidates for Most Improved Player.

Impact of Embiid's return (1:04)

Mavs currently in 5th in the West (9:42)

Hawks without Trae, Wolves without KAT, and Rockets without Sengun (30:57)

Thorpe (48:10)

Most Improved Player candidates (49:55)

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