The 2025-26 NBA MVP race isn’t just about who’s playing the best basketball-it’s about who’s playing, period. With the league’s 65-game minimum rule now in full effect, availability is just as important as dominance.
And right now, two names are standing above the rest: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. One is chasing history.
The other is trying to stay on the court long enough to be eligible.
Let’s break down where things stand beyond the halfway point of the season, with the top contenders jockeying for position in what's shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable MVP races in recent memory.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 Stats: 41 games | 31.8 PPG | 6.2 APG | 4.4 RPG | 1.3 SPG | 54.7 FG% | 39.6 3P%
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just playing at an MVP level-he’s doing it with a consistency that’s bordering on historic. The Thunder star has now scored 20 or more points in 113 straight games, inching closer to Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time mark of 126. That’s not just a fun stat-it’s a testament to his reliability as the offensive engine of one of the league’s top teams.
He’s not just padding stats, either. Gilgeous-Alexander picked up his third Western Conference Player of the Week award this season, more than anyone else in the league.
Even on an off night-like his 20-point outing against the Rockets-he still finds ways to impact the game and lead the Thunder to wins. If he keeps this up and stays healthy, he’s got a real shot at joining the exclusive club of back-to-back MVP winners.
2. Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets
2025-26 Stats: 32 games | 29.6 PPG | 12.2 RPG | 11.0 APG | 1.4 SPG | 60.5 FG% | 43.5 3P%
Nikola Jokic might be the best player in the league when he’s on the floor. The problem?
He hasn’t been on it since December 29. A hyperextended left knee and bone bruise have kept him sidelined for 11 straight games, and he’s set to miss another against the Lakers.
The numbers are jaw-dropping-he’s averaging a triple-double on absurd efficiency-but the league’s 65-game minimum rule looms large. If Jokic returns soon and doesn’t miss another game, he’ll just barely qualify.
But that’s a tightrope walk. If he makes it back and stays healthy, he’ll be right back in the thick of the MVP race.
If not, the conversation could shift quickly.
3. Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics
2025-26 Stats: 38 games | 29.7 PPG | 6.4 RPG | 4.8 APG | 1.0 SPG | 49.1 FG% | 36.7 3P%
Jaylen Brown is putting together the best season of his career, and he’s doing it while leading the Celtics to a top seed in the East. He’s scored at least 25 points in seven of his last eight games, including five straight, and he’s doing it efficiently.
Brown now ranks fourth in scoring league-wide, trailing only Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Tyrese Maxey. But it’s not just the scoring-it’s the leadership and the wins.
Boston is rolling, and Brown is a big reason why. If the Celtics stay near the top of the standings and Brown keeps up this pace, he’ll be hard to ignore in MVP discussions.
4. Luka Doncic - Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Stats: 33 games | 33.3 PPG | 8.6 APG | 7.5 RPG | 1.5 SPG | 46.4 FG% | 33.7 3P%
Luka Doncic is leading the league in scoring and doing just about everything else, too. He’s fourth in assists, ninth in steals, and carrying a heavy load for a Lakers team that’s still trying to find its footing.
Only Elgin Baylor and Kobe Bryant have averaged more points in a season for the Lakers. That’s the kind of company Doncic is keeping right now.
The challenge? Getting the Lakers higher in the standings.
If he can lead a second-half surge, his MVP case becomes a lot more compelling.
5. Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 Stats: 28 games | 24.5 PPG | 10.9 RPG | 9.6 APG | 3.0 SPG | 2.6 BPG | 51.6 FG% | 38.2 3P%
Wemby shaved his head-and apparently unlocked a new level of dominance. Since the Spurs' blowout loss to OKC on January 13, they haven’t lost a game, and Wembanyama has been front and center in their resurgence.
He dropped 39 points in a win that overshadowed Anthony Edwards’ 55-point explosion and followed it up with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Bucks. His all-around game is staggering-he’s flirting with triple-double averages while anchoring one of the league’s best offenses.
The catch? He’s only got room to miss three more games before he falls short of the 65-game threshold. If he stays healthy, he could crash the MVP party in a big way.
6. Cade Cunningham - Detroit Pistons
Cade continues to quietly lead the Pistons, who’ve been one of the surprise teams in the East. His command of the offense and ability to control the tempo have been critical to Detroit’s rise.
7. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
Brunson’s been the heartbeat of the Knicks, keeping them competitive in the East with his steady scoring and leadership. He’s slipped a bit in the rankings, but his impact remains undeniable.
8. Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards just dropped a career-high 55 points, and while the Wolves didn’t come out on top that night, his star continues to rise. He’s evolving into a true two-way force.
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis is still doing Giannis things, but his availability is starting to become a concern. He’s approaching the danger zone in terms of games missed, which could affect his eligibility for end-of-season awards.
10. Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns
Booker rounds out the top 10, continuing to be a steady offensive weapon for Phoenix. His play has kept the Suns afloat in a crowded Western Conference playoff picture.
Final Word
This MVP race is as much about durability as it is about dominance. With the 65-game rule in place, every missed game matters.
As it stands, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the frontrunner, not just because of his numbers, but because he’s been there night in and night out. Jokic, Doncic, Brown, and Wembanyama all have compelling cases, but they’ll need to thread the needle between elite production and consistent availability.
There’s still plenty of basketball left to be played-but the margin for error is razor-thin.