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DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 26: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets fields questions during Denver Nuggets Media Day at Ball Arena on September 26, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The NBA MVP race is finally winding down. While Nikola Jokic and the other relevant candidates will continue their seasons in the NBA Playoffs, the voters will already have their minds made up for the regular-season award.
With two games left for the Denver Nuggets, Jokic likely plans to be a finalist, but his 2025-2026 campaign might not get the job done.
Most sportsbooks favor Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. ESPN’s final straw poll gave Gilgeous-Alexander the nod as well.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 25: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets warms up against the Boston Celtics at Ball Arena on February 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
The Athletic conducted its annual player poll, which focuses on the MVP award. Since it started in 2019, just one set of results has been wrong. In 2019, the players involved voted for James Harden. Giannis Antetokounmpo took home the award.
Since then, the players have chosen correctly every time. For Nikola Jokic, that’s bad news. The trend would suggest that Gilgeous-Alexander will take home the award again this season.
How The Results Panned Out For Jokic
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives around Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“If the players’ votes are any indication — and they usually are — then the silky smooth Thunder star is on his way to a second straight Michael Jordan Trophy. He didn’t just top our player polling; he nearly doubled the support of the second-place finisher, Denver’s Nikola Jokić,” The Athletic wrote.
With 155 votes, Gilgeous-Alexander ended with 56.1% of the first-place selections. Jokic finished with 37.4%.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after being fouled during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Thunder 119-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, Cade Cunningham, and Steph Curry all received votes.
Whether Jokic takes home the hardware or not, his season won’t be overlooked.
Despite the knee injury early on, the star center returned to the court and almost picked right back up where he left off.
In 64 games this season, Jokic has averaged 27.8 points per game, while shooting 56.9% from the field. For the second year in a row, Jokic is averaging a triple-double, producing 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game.
If Jokic is a finalist for the award, it would mark the sixth season in a row. He has been the runner-up twice and won the award three times.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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