The race for the MVP heats up

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 20 Mar 2026
Luka Doncic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Victor Wembanyama MVP NBA

The requirement of having played 65 games to be eligible for all NBA Awards, including the MVP, can distort this battle that seems to be already limited to 3 players.

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Race for NBA MVP 2026. Photo: Getty Images

When you implement a measure to fix something, it can end up ruining something much more important. That's what the NBA has achieved with the rule of playing 65 games to be eligible for end of season Awards. This measure could impact the battle for the NBA 2026 MVP, which seems to already be restricted to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama.

We are now entering the final stretch of the season with many uncertainties to resolve, including who will be the NBA 2026 MVP. If weeks ago everything seemed to be a duel between Shai and Jokic, the scenario has completely changed. The Serbian has slightly lowered his level, his team has lost momentum, and he can be completely ruled out of the award race, especially considering that if he misses just one more game, he won't be able to compete for this Award or any other.

Considering the excellent moment of the Lakers, it is evident that Luka Doncic has gained many points in the race for the NBA 2026 MVP. Many believe it may not be enough to beat Shai, just as noteworthy is what Victor Wembanyama has done, being the standout player for the season's great surprise team. However, the performance of the three in this final stretch of the season will be decisive, although not as much as the games they could miss.

They have very little leeway to miss out on the NBA Awards candidacy. A physical issue now could be fatal for all of them since Wembanyama can only miss 3 games, while Shai and Luka have a 5-game cushion. If the Thunder were to stumble and lose the lead in the West, with a decrease in their star's performance, Doncic or Wemby could surpass him in the predictions, currently dominated by the Canadian.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La carrera por el MVP se pone al rojo vivo