NBA MVP rankings: Nikola Jokic injury has opened up race. Who leads? Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAYJanuary 23, 2026 at 4:05 AM 0 NBA MVP rankings: Nikola Jokic injury has opened up race. Who leads? As the NBA AllStar Game approaches, the race for Most Valuable Player is clearing up. Early injuries have impacted the race, and Denver Nuggets doitall center Nikola Jokić is the latest player to fall victim. Jokić has missed the last 12 games, which has momentarily pushed him out of consideration.
- - NBA MVP rankings: Nikola Jokic injury has opened up race. Who leads?
Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAYJanuary 23, 2026 at 4:05 AM
0
NBA MVP rankings: Nikola Jokic injury has opened up race. Who leads?
As the NBA All-Star Game approaches, the race for Most Valuable Player is clearing up.
Early injuries have impacted the race, and Denver Nuggets do-it-all center Nikola Jokić is the latest player to fall victim. Jokić has missed the last 12 games, which has momentarily pushed him out of consideration. When he's on the floor, he has as good an argument as anyone, but it's hard to justify his position in the Top 5, given his current absence.
The Nuggets, however, have been encouraged with the progress he has made, so that could change very quickly.
Here's the latest iteration of the USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings:
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/bpS50TU class=caas-img data-headline="Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents" data-caption="
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
">Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
" src=https://ift.tt/bpS50TU class=caas-img>
1 / 8Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponentsOct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings
All stats entering play Thursday, Jan. 22
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
He has expressed his frustrations and an eventual separation from the Bucks may be forthcoming, but Antetokounmpo remains a force when he's on the floor. Even though his usage and numbers have dropped over Milwaukee's last four games — he's averaging just 12 shots per game over that span — he's still averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
The last week has seen Cunningham rely far more on his ability to distribute, and he keeps leading the Pistons to victories. Cunningham dished out 14 assists in a one-point win over the No. 2 seed Celtics and has totaled 43 dimes over the last four games. The Pistons trail only the defending-champion Thunder in victories with 32 and have built a solid 5½-game lead on Boston in the East.
3. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
The defense continues to be a significant issue, but Dončić is still the NBA's leading scorer. He's a three-level scorer and carries Los Angeles' offense as the Lakers have remained competitive in a stacked Western Conference. A 38-13-10 triple-double in a massive victory against the Nuggets, who were without Nikola Jokić, showed his impact on any given night.
2. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
He's having a career year, averaging personal bests in points (29.8) and assists (4.8) while unexpectedly leading the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the East. Brown is also putting in excellent effort on the defensive end, using his length to frustrate the opposition. If Jayson Tatum ever does make it back this season, Brown's usage figures to dip. But even then, he's proving he's capable as a No. 1.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
It's, once again, the consistency Gilgeous-Alexander plays with that separates him from the pack. SGA is second in the NBA in scoring (32.0 points per game) and is on the verge of breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record of consecutive games with at least 20 points. His defense is stellar and he never seems to be flustered. And, because he's typically available, he may end up running away with his second consecutive MVP.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA MVP rankings with Nikola Jokic still out: Who leads?
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: Sports
Published: January 23, 2026 at 01:28PM on Source: ANDY MAG
#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle