NBA MVP Rankings: Top 5 Contenders as the New Year Begins

As we kick off the new year, we’re right around the halfway point of the NBA season and the MVP race is heating up! With the holiday festivities behind us, let’s dive into the top contenders for the prestigious MVP award.

Despite an early-season injury setback on Christmas, Luka Dončić has been ruled out of the MVP conversation due to his unfortunate calf injury and will not meet the minimum games requirement. This opens the field, as we spotlight three front-runners who are embracing the pressure while several others are trying to catch up.

Here’s a closer look at the five most compelling MVP candidates taking the court:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

No one has propelled their team higher than Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been the cornerstone of the Thunder’s dominance, leading them towards a record-breaking pursuit of 70 wins. With impressive scoring averages and a versatile offensive game, SGA has significantly upped his three-point shooting as well. Most notably, he has transformed on the defensive end, showcasing elite steal and block numbers. As the catalyst for the Thunder's success, he’s on a trajectory towards MVP stardom.

**BetMGM odds: -110**

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

After winning the NBA Cup, the Bucks struggled momentarily, but Giannis quickly reminded everyone of his MVP-level capability. Upon his return, he turned the tide against the Pacers with an awe-inspiring performance—dominating on both offense and defense. His relentless ability to take control of games has kept the Bucks in the playoff race. As the season progresses, don’t be surprised if Giannis rises back to the top of the MVP leaderboard.

**BetMGM odds: +1000**

3. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)

The reigning three-time MVP continues to showcase remarkable offensive skill, yet faces mounting challenges with his teammates battling injuries. Jokić’s court vision and scoring abilities keep the Nuggets competitive, but defensive lapses in crucial moments have raised questions about his candidacy this season. If he can elevate his defensive game along with his exceptional offensive numbers, a fourth MVP could still be within reach.

**BetMGM odds: +105**

4. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)

Tatum remains essential to the Celtics' title aspirations. While his scoring prowess does not consistently match that of his competitors, his overall contributions—defense, playmaking, and rebounding—slot him firmly into the MVP conversation. However, the Celtics’ deep roster means Tatum doesn’t need to carry the load every night, which may ultimately limit his MVP candidacy.

**BetMGM odds: +2200**

5. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

The 20-year-old sensation is defying expectations, not just in terms of potential but also in his current production. With a staggering combination of offensive skill and defensive dominance, Wembanyama has quickly established himself as one of the NBA's brightest stars. While it may seem early to earmark him as an MVP contender, his impressive numbers and game-changing abilities cannot be ignored. If he continues on this trajectory, we'll be talking about him as a leading candidate for seasons to come.

**BetMGM odds: +6600**

Who Else Might Break Into the Top Tier?

According to ESPN's latest straw poll, the MVP race is still ripe with talent and surprises. Alongside our top five, notable candidates like Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and LeBron James could push their way into the conversation as the playoffs approach. The landscape can change rapidly in this dynamic league, especially with injuries and team struggles influencing outcomes.

Get ready—this NBA season is shaping up to feature fierce competition for the MVP award, and there’s plenty of jaw-dropping basketball left to unfold! So, stay tuned!