The MVP Race Is Heating Up: SGA, Jokic, and the Chase for NBA Supremacy
As the 2025-26 NBA season barrels toward the All-Star break, the MVP race is shaping up to be a heavyweight bout-one that could come down to the wire between two of the league’s most dominant forces: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. And if you’re getting déjà vu, you’re not alone. This could very well be round two of a battle we’ve seen brewing for the past two seasons.
Now that Jokic is back in the lineup after missing 16 games with a knee hyperextension, the Nuggets’ big man is once again in the thick of the MVP conversation. Denver held their own without him, going 10-6 during his absence, thanks in large part to Jamal Murray stepping up in a major way. But Jokic’s return immediately reminded everyone why he’s a three-time MVP and still one of the most complete players in the game.
Jokic’s MVP Hopes Tied to Availability
Here’s the catch: under the league’s updated eligibility rules for end-of-season awards, players must appear in at least 65 games. Jokic has already missed 16, meaning he can only afford to sit out one more game the rest of the way. That’s a tightrope walk with 32 games left on Denver’s schedule-including seven back-to-backs.
Knowing Jokic, if it were entirely up to him, he wouldn’t miss another minute of action. He’s wired to compete.
Even after suffering the knee injury, he reportedly pushed to return sooner than the team allowed. But whether the Nuggets decide to scale back his minutes or rest him in spots for load management will be a crucial subplot.
That decision could ultimately be the difference between Jokic hoisting a fourth MVP trophy or watching someone else take the stage.
And make no mistake-his production hasn’t skipped a beat. In his return game against the Clippers, Jokic put up 31 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in just 25 minutes.
He shot 8-of-11 from the floor and looked like a player who hadn’t missed a day, let alone several weeks. He’s still averaging a triple-double on the season, and the Nuggets are within striking distance of the West’s No. 2 seed.
The MVP case is very much alive.
SGA: The Steady Force at the Top
On the other side of this MVP duel is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to lead the charge for a Thunder team that’s been near the top of the standings all season. He’s been remarkably consistent-scoring at least 20 points in 120 straight games-and just dropped 34 points in a win over Jokic and the Nuggets.
That streak has him closing in on Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 consecutive 20-point games. If he stays healthy, he could break it on February 20 against the Nets.
SGA’s numbers are eye-popping: 32.0 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game while shooting a blistering 55.8% from the field and 39.1% from deep. He’s been the Thunder’s leading scorer in 11 straight games and has scored under 25 points just once in his last eight outings.
Even as Oklahoma City has hit a few bumps lately, Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t slowed down. If the MVP voting were held today, he’d likely still hold the edge.
Luka Doncic: The Scoring Machine in the Shadows
While SGA and Jokic dominate the headlines, Luka Doncic is quietly putting together a campaign that deserves serious attention. He’s leading the league in scoring at 33.6 points per game and has been the engine for a Lakers offense that falls off a cliff when he’s not on the floor.
Doncic has recorded eight 40-point games this season-more than anyone else-and averaged 35.5 points over the past week while shooting over 54% from the field. He’s also putting up 8.8 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.
The only thing holding him back in the MVP race? The Lakers’ inconsistency.
If they can string together a strong post-All-Star run, Doncic could easily climb higher than his current No. 3 spot.
Jaylen Brown: The Overlooked Star in Boston
Despite the Celtics being tied with the Knicks for the East’s No. 2 seed, Jaylen Brown still isn’t getting the MVP love he deserves. But make no mistake-he’s earned it. Brown is putting up career highs in points (29.4), rebounds (6.9), and assists (4.8), and he’s doing it while playing elite-level defense.
He ranks fourth in the league in scoring behind only Doncic, SGA, and Anthony Edwards, and he’s been a driving force behind Boston’s recent surge. If the Celtics can keep pace with Detroit at the top of the East, Brown could force his way into the top five of MVP voting.
Cade Cunningham: Leading the Best Team in the East
Speaking of Detroit, Cade Cunningham has been the heartbeat of the Pistons’ rise to the top of the Eastern Conference. He’s averaging 25.2 points, 9.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, and his impact goes well beyond the box score.
Cunningham is one of just two players averaging over nine assists and five rebounds per game this season-Jokic being the other. He’s also been a defensive anchor for a Pistons team that ranks second in defensive rating.
Much like SGA in OKC, Cunningham’s fingerprints are all over Detroit’s success. If they keep winning, he’ll stay firmly in the MVP conversation.
Rounding Out the Top 10
- Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs Wemby continues to dazzle, but his MVP hopes could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t meet the 65-game threshold.
- Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves Edwards is climbing fast, and with the Wolves in the playoff hunt, he’s making a serious case.
- Jamal Murray - Denver Nuggets Murray’s been electric during Jokic’s absence, and his continued production could give Denver two MVP-caliber players.
- Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks Brunson remains the steady hand for a Knicks team that’s been one of the East’s biggest surprises.
- Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers Maxey cracks the top 10 after a strong stretch of games and continues to be a bright spot in Philly.
Bottom Line
This MVP race is far from settled. With Jokic needing to suit up for nearly every remaining game, SGA threatening to break a Chamberlain record, and Luka piling up monster stat lines, we’re looking at one of the most competitive MVP chases in recent memory.
And with players like Jaylen Brown and Cade Cunningham making strong pushes, the second half of the season promises to be must-watch basketball. Buckle up.