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Setting the stage this week are the international players manning the top five.

Yes, the leaderboard remains the same as last week heading into the holidays. But if the actual vote shakes out this way come spring, it would mark the first time in NBA history that the top five in the race all hailed from foreign countries.

We haven’t seen a U.S.-born MVP since 2017-18 (James Harden), and the current standings conjure thoughts of what might happen if the league ever held a USA vs. the World game.

(ICYMI, colleague Shaun Powell kicked around the idea back in February.)

The World’s likely starting five is represented here in the top five of Kia Race to the MVP Ladder.

One stat to know: 843 to 819 — That’s points scored to minutes played by ladder leader Joel Embiid, who could potentially become the first player since Wilt Chamberlain (4,029 points in 3,882 minutes in 1961-62) to finish a season with more points than minutes played.

What they’re saying: “I took what was given to me.” — Embiid, after scoring 51 points Wednesday in a win over Minnesota

And now, the Top 5 in the 2023-24 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder.

1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Last week’s ranking: No. 1

Season stats: 35.1 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 5.9 apg

His case: Embiid has owned the last two Wednesdays, lighting up Detroit last week for a 41-point double-double before racking up a season-high 51 points seven days later against the Timberwolves. The reigning MVP has scored 40 points or more in four of his last five games.

Embiid is also riding a streak of 12 consecutive games with 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds, which is the most since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1972).

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Season stats: 26.5 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 9.3 apg

His case: The two-time MVP stays out of the limelight at No. 2, which is likely where he prefers to be, having quietly led Denver to victory in five of its last six games. Jokic is coming off a 31-point, 15-rebound performance and leads the NBA in double-doubles (24).

The team’s three-game road trip continues Friday at Brooklyn (7:30 ET, NBA TV), followed by a Saturday matchup at Charlotte (7 ET, NBA League Pass).

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Season stats: 30.9 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 5.4 apg

His case: Antetokounmpo handled his business by keeping Milwaukee undefeated in its six-game homestand Thursday with 37 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against Orlando.

That marked Antetokounmpo’s 226th career 30-point night, which ranks second over the last 10 years behind Harden (267 30-point games). An upcoming four-game road trip starts Saturday with the first of back-to-back matinee road games against the Knicks (12:30 ET, NBA TV), including a Christmas Day matchup on Monday (12 ET, ESPN).

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last week’s ranking: No. 4

Season stats: 30.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 6.3 apg

His case: Gilgeous-Alexander snuffed out the LA Clippers’ nine-game winning streak Thursday with his 18th 30-point game of the season — which included 14 points in the third quarter — as OKC dropped 45 points in the frame.

Toss in eight rebounds, two blocks and four steals to wrap a bowtie around an all-around gem. The Thunder are 2-0 during their current five-game homestand with a matchup on deck Saturday against the Lakers (8 ET, NBA League Pass).

5. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Last week’s ranking: No. 5

Season stats: 32.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 9.1 apg

His case: Doncic was named Western Conference Player of the Week for the first time this season on Monday, but the Mavericks have lost three of their last four. Virtually unstoppable, Doncic is averaging 36.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 11.2 assists over his last 10 games.

Buckle up for an extra Christmas gift Monday, when Doncic and the Mavs face Devin Booker and the Suns (10:30 ET, ESPN) in what should be another classic showdown.

The Next Five

6. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (Last week: No. 6)
7. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (Last week: No. 7)
8. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (Last week: unranked)
9. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers (Last week: unranked)
10. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (Last week: unranked)

And five more (listed alphabetically): De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers; Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves.

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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.

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