The NBA regular season is coming to an end and the playoffs are just around the corner.
While that means that fans are on the verge of seeing some powerful and exciting matchups, it also means that the end-of-season awards will be announced soon.
As always, all eyes are on the Most Valuable Player.
This season’s race for MVP has been a wild, unique ride but as it comes to an end, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets still has the best shot of winning the trophy for a third time.
According to NBACentral, the latest NBA.com MVP ladder shows that Jokic has the greatest odds of winning the prize, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Behind them are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Donic, tied at third, and Jayson Tatum.
https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s updated MVP Ladder:
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
T3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
T3. Luka Doncic
5. Jayson Tatum
6. Domantas Sabonis
7. Kawhi Leonard
8. Kevin Durant
9. Devin Booker
10. Anthony Edwards— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 22, 2024
Other players on the list include Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns.
But it looks like this is a two-man race between Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander.
Only a few weeks ago, it seemed like Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers was well on his way to back-to-back MVP wins.
However, another injury sidelined him and made him miss the 65-game threshold that the NBA enacted this season.
When Embiid dropped out of the running, Jokic’s chances increased.
Right now, it feels like the award is Jokic’s to lose but anything can happen in the last few weeks.
Even if he doesn’t claim the honor, Gilgeous-Alexander has a lot to be proud of.
The 25-year-old guard is posting 30.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game and has helped transform his team into legitimate playoff contenders after years of struggling.
Jokic might take home the prize this year but Gilgeous-Alexander and numerous players on this list have a chance of winning in the years ahead.
NEXT: Denver Nuggets Star Has Been Sensational Since All-Star Break