Breaking Down the NBA MVP Race: Four Clear Favorites, Plus Sleeper Candidates

The NBA MVP race for the 2026-27 season is expected to feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić as top contenders again, but the field could be wider than in recent years. The two stars have dominated awards, accounting for five of the last six MVP trophies, with Joel Embiid’s 2023 win the only break in that pattern. Gilgeous-Alexander enters as reigning MVP, having finished second in points per game at 31.1 while guiding the Thunder to an NBA-best 64 wins; however, the article points out the rarity of winning three straight MVPs. Jokić, despite missing a career-high 17 games last season, averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists across 65 contests, becoming the first center to lead the league in both rebounds and assists. The story also notes historical difficulty in winning three straight for only three players, and Jokić aiming at a potential fourth MVP.