It's not official yet, but Nikola Jokić is almost certainly not going to make the 65-game threshold to qualify for NBA MVP honors. Jokić hadn't missed a single game this season until he hyperextended his knee on Dec. 29, and that injury is expected to keep him out through at least the end of January.

Nikola Jokic owns the to spot in the NBA MVP rankings over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entering 2026 after his dominant Christmas performance.

NBA players are most likely to win the MVP award this season? Here are the top contenders ranked based on their odds.

Is the NBA MVP race already a wrap? Some people believe it is after Nikola Jokic went down with a hyperextended knee that will keep him out for at least a month.

Despite being injured, Nikola Jokic is still at the top of the NBA MVP rankings over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the start of 2026.

One night, you're accepting another yearly award. The next night, you hit the shot of the day. As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander calmly found his spot in the mid-range, he swished in a jumper to send it into overtime and save his squad from another day full of ridicule. Walking to the bench, he was zeroed in on a badly-needed win.

The Joker went bananas with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists in a 142-138 OT win versus Minnesota on Christmas Day. Denver won that game despite being down three starters and what’s more impressive was Jokic scoring 18 points in OT! Those 18 OT points broke Steph Curry ‘s record of 17 points in 2016.

Reggie Miller believes that the Pistons' Cade Cunningham should be near the top of the NBA MVP conversation. The Detroit Pistons have been in a stellar vein of form ever since the season started, perched at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 27-9 record. And the biggest reason for their current position is none other than Cade Cunningham.

If Nikola Jokić's knee injury makes him ineligible to win MVP, these players have the best chance of taking home the hardware.

Coast 2 Coast Tuesday Doubleheader on Jan. 13 Begins with Victor Wembanyama and Spurs visiting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

ESPN's Kevin Pelton analyzes the shifting NBA MVP landscape, detailing why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's consistency and team record may be too much for Luka Doncic to overcome.