What Happened
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard, is currently leading the NBA MVP race, according to a recent straw poll conducted by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. This poll surveyed 100 likely voters and indicated that Gilgeous-Alexander is on track to become the seventh player this century to win back-to-back MVP awards, joining the ranks of notable players such as Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Why It Matters
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance has positioned him as a frontrunner for the MVP title, with FanDuel listing him as the favorite at -145 odds, implying a 59.18% probability of winning. His potential to achieve this milestone is significant, as it would mark the first time since Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2019-20 season that a player has won consecutive MVP awards. However, his eligibility for the award is contingent upon his ability to play at least 65 games this season, a threshold he is currently at risk of not meeting due to an abdominal strain that has sidelined him since February 3.
What’s Next
As the Thunder approach the final stretch of the season, Gilgeous-Alexander can only afford to miss five more games to remain eligible for the MVP award. With 22 games remaining, his health will be crucial in determining his candidacy. Meanwhile, other contenders like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are also facing challenges that could impact their MVP aspirations. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as the race intensifies and players vie for the prestigious title.
