NBA MVP race to sizzle down the stretch

Now that the NBA All-Star break is over, each team has approximately just over 20 games left to complete their regular season. While the focus of most players will be to help their teams reach the playoffs, and get as high as possible in the standings, there will also be an intriguing race for the NBA MVP this year. Let’s take a look at who the top five favourites will be.

Nikola Jokic–Denver Nuggets

The NBA MVP of 2021 and 2022, is only averaging 24.7 points per game (19th in the NBA), but is the only NBA player averaging a triple double (11.5 rebounds per game and 10.1 assists per game). The Nuggets are best in the West at 41 wins and 18 losses.

Giannis Antetokounmpo–Milwaukee Bucks

While the Celtics, 76ers and Nuggets have multiple superstars on their respective teams, you could make the argument that Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only superstar on the Milwaukee Bucks. So far this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.8 points per game (third in the NBA) and 12.2 rebounds per game (second in the NBA). Milwaukee has won 12 games in a row, and are second in the East at 41 wins and 17 losses.

Jayson Tatum–Boston Celtics

The NBA All-Star Game MVP is the best player on the NBA’s best team. Tatum is averaging 30.6 points per game on a Celtics team that has a seasonal record of 42 wins and 17 losses, for a marvelous winning percentage of .712.

Luka Doncic–Dallas Mavericks

The NBA’s leading scorer is averaging 33.3 points per game this season. He also had an amazing individual performance on December 27. In a game for the ages, Doncic had 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists in a 126-121 overtime win over the New York Knicks.

Joel Embiid–Philadelphia 76ers

So far this season, this star from Cameroon is averaging 33.1 points per game (second in the NBA) and 10.2 rebounds per game. The 76ers are third in the East at 38 wins and 19 losses.

Who do you think will be NBA MVP? I have Jokic winning three in a row.

Tell us what you think in the comments below.