UPDATE: A shocking injury to Nikola Jokic has sent shockwaves through the NBA MVP race. Jokic sustained a knee injury on December 3, 2023, and is expected to be sidelined for about a month, drastically altering the landscape of this season’s MVP contenders.
With Jokic out, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to capture the MVP award, currently listed at odds of -450 by DraftKings Sportsbook. This means bettors must wager $450 to win $100 on Gilgeous-Alexander. The injury narrows the field to a single frontrunner, making the MVP race more compelling than ever.
As of November 13, five players were clear favorites: Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Wembanyama’s recent calf injury has knocked him out of contention, and his chances are further diminished after missing crucial games. Players must participate in at least 65 games this season to be eligible for the MVP award, meaning they cannot miss more than 17 games.
Antetokounmpo also faced setbacks, suffering a calf strain on December 3, which sidelined him for a significant portion of the month. As a result, the MVP race has narrowed to just two contenders: Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic, whose odds are currently at +370.
However, Doncic’s availability is in jeopardy. He has already missed seven games out of the Lakers’ first 30, putting him on track to play just under 63 games this season. If this trend continues, Doncic could also fall short of the necessary games played to qualify for MVP, leaving Gilgeous-Alexander as the sole candidate among the original favorites.
Historically, Gilgeous-Alexander has struggled with injuries, averaging 25.7 games missed per season from 2020-21 to 2022-23. However, he has shown great resilience in the last two seasons, missing only a combined 6.5 games. This year, he has missed just one game, positioning him strongly for a potential second straight MVP title.
Should Gilgeous-Alexander face an injury, the MVP race would open dramatically. Players with odds of 50-1 or longer, such as Cade Cunningham (50-1), Jalen Brunson (60-1), and even Jaylen Brown and Anthony Edwards (100-1 and 500-1, respectively) could suddenly find themselves in the mix.
As the league progresses, the impact of injuries on MVP contenders cannot be understated. The dynamic nature of the NBA means that fortunes can change overnight, making it crucial for bettors and fans alike to stay informed about the evolving landscape of the MVP race. With Gilgeous-Alexander as the clear frontrunner now, the stakes have never been higher.
As we watch the season unfold, it’s essential for fans and bettors to consider the ramifications of potential injuries and the shifting odds in this unpredictable MVP race. Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season progresses.
