NBA news: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Brown and the MVP favourites after Nikola Jokic’s injury
While he remains in first place on the MVP ladder, Nikola Jokic suffered a knee injury against the Miami Heat in December and is reported to be out until the end of January.
The Serbian’s absence has allowed other leading players in the league to make a worthy claim for the MVP award, with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hitting form at the perfect time.
Before the injury, the Denver Nuggets centre was far and away the favourite to notch up his fourth career MVP award, averaging a 29.6-point, 12.2-rebound and 11-assist triple double for the season.
The Nuggets have gone 5W and 4L since Jokic was ruled out and will be extremely keen to have their superstar back as soon as possible.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Finn Littlewood takes a look at the contenders in what is turning out to be an unpredictable MVP race.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
31.9 PTS, 4.5 REB, 6.4 AST
The current MVP sits in second place on this year’s MVP ladder as his Oklahoma City Thunder side continue their domination from last year.
With a current record of 34W and 7L, the reigning NBA champions are thriving under the leadership of the Canadian guard.
SGA’s offensive efficiency is unlike anyone else in the league and he sits second for free throws made (8.2) and field goals made (10.9).
There is also little doubt about OKC finishing as the top seed in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season, something which will certainly help the point guard’s claim for the award.
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Jaylen Brown
29.7 PTS, 6.4 REB, 4.9 AST
Currently third in the MVP race, the Boston Celtics forward has truly squashed any narrative surrounding him being no more than a second option.
Following the injury to franchise star Jayson Tatum, who suffered an Achilles tear in May 2025, the 2024 Finals MVP has certainly stepped up as the main jigsaw piece for the Celtics.
The 2024 NBA champions are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference, with Brown firing on all cylinders.
And given the possibility of an earlier-than-expected comeback for Tatum, they are in a firm place to post a deep play-off run come the end of the regular season.
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Luka Dončić
33.7 PTS, 8 REB, 8.8 AST
The league’s top scorer is certainly having a season to remember, with the Los Angeles Lakers currently on a high as they sit fifth in the West Conference on 24W and 14L.
The Slovenian has often been criticised for his poor defensive efforts, yet he sits in seventh place in the league for steals (1.6).
Most recently stringing together a streak of five games scoring above 30 points, the guard is linking up nicely with the aging LeBron James to give Lakers fans something to get excited about.
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Victor Wembanyama
24.2 PTS, 11.5 REB, 2.9 BLK
In what is perhaps a coming-of-age season for the towering French centre, he sits in fifth place on the MVP ladder.
The San Antonio Spurs look like real contenders this season, mostly due to their young core and having a current record of 3-1 over OKC.
Despite not playing anywhere near as much as he would have to in order to claim the MVP award due to injury risk following a left-knee bone bruise, Wembanyama’s dominance on the court against some of the league's biggest names should not be disregarded.
Although he is unlikely to pick up the award this year, the exciting future the Spurs face with him and other youthful talents like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle will no doubt keep the star in the conversation for years to come.
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