NEW YORK — With roughly three weeks remaining in the 2025-26 NBA regular season as of March 28, 2026, the Most Valuable Player race has evolved into one of the most compelling in recent years, featuring a generational defensive force, a scoring machine on a championship contender and perennial superstars delivering elite production.

The latest Kia MVP Ladder released by the NBA on March 27 placed Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs at No. 1, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers. Other models and expert rankings frequently include Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons in the top mix.

Here are the five strongest MVP candidates as the season heads into its final stretch, based on statistical dominance, team success, individual impact and recent momentum.

Frenchman Victor Wembanyama is one of many European stars in the NBA but the US league is now examining an expansion into Europe
AFP

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

The 22-year-old phenom has taken over the top spot on the official Kia MVP Ladder after a scorching stretch that has transformed the Spurs into Western Conference contenders. Wembanyama is averaging approximately 24-28 points, 11-12 rebounds and a league-leading 3-plus blocks per game in recent months, while shooting efficiently and stretching the floor with three-point range.

San Antonio has surged dramatically with Wembanyama healthy, posting strong records in games he plays and climbing into contention for a high playoff seed. His two-way dominance — anchoring one of the league's best defenses while serving as a primary offensive option — draws comparisons to historic big-man impacts. Many analysts project him as a strong Defensive Player of the Year favorite alongside his MVP case.

Wembanyama's youth adds narrative weight: at an age when most prospects are still developing, he is already altering games on both ends like few players in history. Late-season surges have vaulted him past early frontrunners in voter sentiment.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

The reigning MVP remains the betting favorite in many circles and consistently ranks near the top of ladders despite Wembanyama's recent climb. Gilgeous-Alexander is posting around 31.5 points, 6.6 assists and strong efficiency on a Thunder team with one of the league's best records, often cited near or atop the Western Conference standings.

His consistency stands out: long streaks of 20-plus-point games, elite mid-range scoring and playmaking have powered OKC's success. Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated teammates while shouldering a heavy offensive load, making a compelling case for back-to-back MVPs — a rare feat in the modern era.

Critics sometimes note his team's depth reduces individual burden compared to others, yet his on-court gravity and clutch performances continue to impress voters and analysts alike.

3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

The three-time MVP continues to post otherworldly numbers, averaging roughly 27-28 points, nearly 13 rebounds and 10-11 assists while leading the Nuggets to solid positioning despite occasional injury concerns earlier in the season. Jokić's basketball IQ, passing vision and efficiency remain unmatched, with advanced metrics often ranking him among the league's most valuable players by a wide margin.

Even when his team has faced challenges, Jokić's ability to make everyone around him better keeps him in the conversation. His triple-double threat on any given night and mastery of the pick-and-roll embody the "most valuable" criterion. Some models still give him the highest projected win-share impact.

Voters have rewarded Jokić's sustained excellence in past seasons, and another deep playoff run could bolster his legacy case.

4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

Since joining the Lakers via trade, Dončić has delivered scoring explosions that have Lakers fans dreaming of deep playoff runs. He leads the league in scoring at approximately 33.6 points per game, adding 7.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists while posting multiple 40-point games, including a 43-point effort in a recent win over the Indiana Pacers and a 41-point showing.

Dončić's usage rate and offensive gravity have powered the Lakers to a strong record around 47-26 or better in recent standings snapshots. His step-back threes, playmaking and ability to create shots in isolation have drawn praise from teammates and coaches, including head coach JJ Redick.

While defensive lapses and occasional turnover issues remain talking points, Dončić's individual brilliance — especially in a new environment alongside LeBron James — has moved him up ladders and into serious contention.

5. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Cunningham has orchestrated one of the league's biggest turnaround stories, leading the Pistons to a top seed in the Eastern Conference with a record around 53-20. He is averaging roughly 24-25 points and nearly 10 assists, showcasing improved scoring efficiency and leadership that has Detroit looking like a legitimate title contender.

His playmaking, size at the guard position and ability to control tempo have been pivotal. The Pistons' success with Cunningham on the floor underscores his value, and many rankings place him firmly in the top five when weighing team impact.

Other names frequently mentioned include Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics for his consistency amid injuries to teammates, though he often slots just outside the top five in official ladders.

Factors That Will Decide the Race

With games dwindling, several elements loom large: team seeding, individual durability (the 65-game rule remains a factor for some), advanced metrics like RAPTOR or win shares, and narrative around "most valuable." Voters weigh not just raw stats but how a player's presence elevates his franchise.

The race features contrasting styles — Wembanyama's rim protection and versatility, Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring consistency, Jokić's facilitation mastery, Dončić's offensive creation and Cunningham's leadership in a resurgence.

As March 28, 2026, dawns, the final weeks promise drama. Standings battles in both conferences could sway voters, particularly if underdogs like the Spurs or Pistons secure favorable positioning.

For now, no candidate has separated decisively. Wembanyama's surge has injected fresh excitement, but Gilgeous-Alexander's steadiness and Jokić's timeless brilliance keep the door open for multiple outcomes. Dončić's scoring barrages and Cunningham's team success add layers to what could be a memorable award announcement in May.

NBA fans and analysts will watch closely as seeding and awards races intensify. Whoever claims the Maurice Podoloff Trophy will have earned it through a season of excellence amid one of the league's deepest pools of superstar talent.