Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic nearing MVP ineligibility - ESPN

ESPN

by David Purdum

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The NBA's MVP race is heating up, but two top contenders—Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver's Nikola Jokic—are at risk of being ineligible for the award due to a new rule requiring players to miss no more than 17 games. With only 22 regular-season games remaining, both stars face strict deadlines to meet the eligibility threshold. Gilgeous-Alexander, currently the odds-on favorite at -125 on DraftKings Sportsbook, has already missed 11 games due to an abdominal strain and must play in at least 16 of the remaining contests. Meanwhile, Jokic, listed at +310, has sat out 16 games and could become ineligible if he misses two more. This uncertainty has sparked increased betting interest in other players, particularly Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, who has drawn significant attention from sportsbooks. The situation has also elevated the profiles of San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama, Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, and Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, with Wembanyama currently on the cusp of missing too many games. Despite his potential uneligibility, Wembanyama remains a top betting choice, while Mitchell and Edwards have seen their odds improve as they gain traction in the MVP race. This development adds an extra layer of intrigue to the MVP conversation, as fans and analysts speculate about who will step up if Gilgeous-Alexander or Jokic fall short. The race now includes players like Boston's Jaylen Brown and Phoenix's Christian Hockerson, whose odds have improved significantly in recent weeks. Ultimately, this uncertainty creates a compelling narrative for basketball enthusiasts, as the MVP award could hinge on both performance and availability. With key players teetering on eligibility, the race remains unpredictable, making it one of the most anticipated storylines of the season.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026