Who will win the league’s most coveted individual honor this year? It appears that it won’t be three-time winner Nikola Jokić.
The Nuggets’ superstar suffered a hyperextended left knee in Denver’s loss to the Heat on Monday, and he will now be sidelined for at least four weeks, meaning he will miss around 17 games.
In order for a player to win MVP, he needs to play at least 65 of 82 games. Jokić hasn’t missed a game this season, but if he does miss the next 17 games, he wouldn’t be able to miss a game the remainder of the season if he hoped to be MVP eligible.
As of Monday evening, prior to the injury, he was the favorite to win the award. Now, he’s no longer on the oddsboard.
With that, let’s take a look at the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Dec. 30, as well as what to know about the top candidates.
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Regular Season MVP 2025-26
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: -450
What to know: SGA is second in the NBA in scoring, and his Thunder have the best record in the NBA. He is also in the midst of a remarkable streak of 103 consecutive 20-point games, the second-most in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain (126).
Luka Dončić, Lakers: +370
What to know: A fitter-looking Dončić is leading the NBA in scoring, and the Lakers have been among the top five in the West standings for a majority of the season, despite missing LeBron James for 16 of 29 games.
Cade Cunningham, Pistons: +5000
What to know: The Pistons have been the second-best team in the NBA for a majority of the season, and are the top team in the East behind their star point guard. Cunningham is second in the NBA in assists behind Jokić.
Jalen Brunson, Knicks: +6000
What to know: Brunson is seventh in the NBA in scoring, and the Knicks have the second-best record in the East behind Detroit.
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