Overview
- Denver center Nikola Jokic is expected to miss about a month with a knee injury, narrowing the race in the short term.
- DraftKings lists Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at -450 for MVP, with Luka Dončić next at +370 and a sharp drop to Cade Cunningham (+5000) and Jalen Brunson (+6000).
- The 65-game minimum for award eligibility looms over contenders, putting Jokic’s status at risk and highlighting Dončić’s seven absences in the Lakers’ first 30 games, while Gilgeous-Alexander has missed only one.
- Earlier injuries to Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo already hurt their odds, reinforcing how durability is shaping this race.
- ESPN notes longshots could surge if Gilgeous-Alexander misses time, and a reporter has even floated a unanimous MVP scenario if rivals fall short.