NBA MVP Race Heats Up
As the NBA season approaches its seventh week, the competition for the MVP award is intensifying, with a trio of players emerging as frontrunners. Despite their consistent performance, Cade Cunningham from the Detroit Pistons has entered the MVP conversation due to Detroit’s impressive start. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo has made his return from injury, Victor Wembanyama is currently sidelined, and Tyrese Maxey continues to shine on the court. This week’s MVP rankings highlight the standout performers in the league. Don’t forget to visit DraftKings for the latest odds and props surrounding this week’s NBA matchups.
Week 7 MVP Rankings
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+170)
- Points Per Game: 32.9 (2nd)
- Assists Per Game: 6.7 (15th)
- Rebounds Per Game: 4.9 (89th)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heads the pack, leading the league in both plus-minus (+238) for November and total points (452). The Thunder have enjoyed a remarkable stretch, winning 11 consecutive games which contributes to their stellar 19-1 record. Over his last three outings, SGA tallied 37, 40, and 37 points, reaching 30 or more points in five consecutive games. Remarkably, he has achieved a career-high 54.5% shooting from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc.
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Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+140)
- Points Per Game: 28.9 (7th)
- Rebounds Per Game: 12.4 (1st)
- Assists Per Game: 10.9 (1st)
Nikola Jokic has continued to dazzle fans and critics alike with his exceptional play this November, racking up six triple-doubles and seven double-doubles across 14 games, averaging 32.0 points per game. Jokic is right behind SGA in total points scored this month (448), leads the league in assists (154), and ranks third in rebounds (164), showcasing his all-around capabilities. The Nuggets stand at a strong 14-5 this season, securing Jokic’s position as a serious MVP contender once more.
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Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+320)
- Points Per Game: 35.1 (1st)
- Assists Per Game: 9.4 (2nd)
- Rebounds Per Game: 8.5 (T-20th)
The superstar guard for the Lakers, Luka Doncic, leads the league in scoring and has propelled his team to a perfect 6-0 record over the last six games. During this hot streak, Doncic has averaged 35.5 points, 10.0 assists, and 7.6 rebounds, proving that he remains a force even with LeBron James back in the lineup.
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Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (+5000)
- Points Per Game: 28.8 (9th)
- Rebounds Per Game: 6.4 (46th)
- Assists Per Game: 9.4 (3rd)
Cade Cunningham’s performance has been on the rise, particularly as the Pistons enjoyed an impressive run, sitting at 14 wins and 2 losses over their last 16 games. His recent stats include a stunning triple-double and shows that he is emerging as a key player in MVP discussions, especially after scoring over 30 points multiple times in recent games.
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Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (+7000)
- Points Per Game: 31.7 (3rd)
- Rebounds Per Game: 4.7 (T-100th)
- Assists Per Game: 7.5 (8th)
After a blazing start, Tyrese Maxey’s odds have seen a steep decline from +4000 to +7000, having scored 27, 20, and 22 points in his last three games. The 76ers are still managing a positive record at 10-8, and Maxey remains a top scorer and playmaker, yet it may be challenging for him to maintain a position in the top five MVP rankings.
Stock Updates
Stock Up: Cade Cunningham’s consistent output and improvement mark him as a strong candidate amid a backdrop of Detroit’s stellar performance.
Stock Down: Victor Wembanyama, sidelined for the past two weeks, with the Spurs thriving without him, placing uncertainty around his MVP candidacy. Additionally, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent injury has impacted his standings, even as he shines post-return to play.
To catch up on all the NBA action, be sure to tune in to NBC and Peacock for live games and broadcasts each week!
