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yesterday

Jokic’s Knee Injury Recasts MVP Race, Clearing the Way for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A projected month on the shelf likely leaves the Nuggets star short of the 65-game eligibility line, shifting award calculus toward Oklahoma City’s lead guard.

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12-29-25
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Dec 29, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Overview

  • ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Nikola Jokic will miss about four weeks with a hyperextended knee suffered against the Heat.
  • Given Denver’s January schedule and the NBA’s 65-game rule, CBS Sports notes Jokic is now highly unlikely to qualify for MVP consideration.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bolstered his case with 39 points, six rebounds and six assists in the Thunder’s 140-129 win over the Hawks on Monday.
  • Oklahoma City remains on a near 70-win pace as Gilgeous-Alexander leads impact metrics such as EPM, with Jokic ranking second, per CBS Sports.
  • What had been a two-man duel, punctuated by Jokic’s 56-point Christmas triple-double, now tilts decisively toward Gilgeous-Alexander due to availability.