NBA MVP Race Heats Up as Season Nears Conclusion
As the 2025-26 NBA regular season heads into its final stretch with less than 20 games remaining for each team, the race for playoff spots intensifies significantly. Concurrently, this period is crucial for players aiming to secure the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor, and time is slipping away for many competitors to enhance their cases. Given the exceptional play by the current frontrunner, some argue that the window for challengers may already be closing.
Upcoming Matchups
The upcoming matchups promise to deliver thrilling basketball, particularly for the Denver Nuggets, who are set to face off against the San Antonio Spurs—featuring rising star Victor Wembanyama—twice, alongside a game against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder within their final five games. This week, the Thunder will also be hosting the Boston Celtics and star Jaylen Brown, setting the stage for more exciting clashes.
Latest NBA MVP Rankings
5. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Despite the return of Jayson Tatum, Brown’s MVP aspirations remain intact, at least for now. However, the competition at the top is fierce, and Brown will need to close the gap significantly. His current averages of 28.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists highlight his pivotal role this season.
Previous ranking: 5
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
After snapping a four-game losing streak, Cunningham’s individual performance took a hit recently, notably with just 10 points against the Cavaliers, despite a commendable 14 assists. While his influence makes him a crucial player for Detroit’s offense, it may not suffice for MVP consideration.
Previous ranking: 2
3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Wembanyama has been lighting up the court, with the Spurs losing only one game since early February. His spectacular performance included a stunning 39 points and 11 rebounds in a win over the Celtics, followed by a notable 38-point, 16-rebound show against the Pistons. He is undoubtedly leading San Antonio’s charge towards the postseason.
Previous ranking: 4
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Jokić is in remarkable form, leading the league with 24 triple-doubles while averaging 28.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. Typically, such statistics would solidify his bid for the MVP. However, the Nuggets have hit a rough patch, and depending on his participation in the remaining games, he risks losing eligibility for postseason awards.
Previous ranking: 3
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance with 35 points, 15 assists, and 9 rebounds in a critical match against the Nuggets, which likely solidified his lead in the MVP race. His ability to deliver clutch moments amidst the Thunder’s ongoing injury struggles is proving invaluable. If he continues to meet eligibility criteria, he appears set to secure his second MVP title.
Previous ranking: 1
This analysis originally appeared on USA TODAY, capturing the shifts in the NBA MVP landscape as teams ready for the playoffs.
