NBA MVP Straw Poll: Why Every Game Counts for SGA, Jokic, and More Stars
Despite the drama surrounding NBA star injuries and availability this season, the top of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race remains unchanged.
In ESPN's second MVP straw poll of the 2025-26 season, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander increased his lead over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Gilgeous-Alexander claimed 78 first-place votes and was the only player named to all 100 ballots.
The reigning MVP, who also secured 20 second-place and two third-place votes, is having another stellar season, averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 55.4% from the field for the Western Conference-leading Thunder.
SGA's lead has grown despite the defending champions slipping since the first straw poll was released in mid-December. The Thunder were once on pace to win 70-plus games, but injuries have brought them back to earth; they have gone 17-13 after a blistering 24-1 start to the season. This includes a recent abdominal injury to Gilgeous-Alexander, who has already missed seven games and will miss at least a few more.
Jokic kept his second-place spot (18 first-place votes), but his bone bruise has stalled his MVP candidacy. His stat line is impressive, but his margin for error has shrunk. If Jokic misses two more games, he will be ineligible for MVP and all end-of-season awards, ending a streak of five consecutive top-two finishes.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama jumped from eighth in December's poll to fourth with three first-place votes and landed on 75 ballots. However, he has missed 13 games, meaning he can miss only four more this season.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, the fifth-place finisher, has already missed 12 games. Other vote-getters, like Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Edwards, could also face eligibility issues with another injury. Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James have already fallen below the 65-game requirement.
The injuries at the top have created opportunities for other players. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham finished third with one first-place vote, leading Detroit's remarkable season. Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, who finished sixth in the straw poll, has continued his impressive campaign despite the team's short-handedness.
The ballot also included East All-Stars Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey, who received a total of 44 votes.
