Sunday night marks the season finale for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Across the NBA, every team will play to close out the 2025-2026 season. It’s the final chance for players to make a statement during their award pushes.
Once again, Nikola Jokic is in the running for the NBA MVP award. The chances of Jokic becoming a finalist are high. However, his status as the potential winner is certainly in jeopardy.
Dating back to an early matchup between the Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder, many were under the impression that Jokic dropped the award right there. He was out-dueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the Thunder defeated the Nuggets in a 129-126 thriller.
Since then, Jokic has continued his strong run for the season. Unfortunately for him, Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t really slow down. With the regular season concluding, all signs are pointing to SGA becoming a back-to-back winner.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 18: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after shooting a three point basket during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
What Do The Odds Say?
Going into the final game against the San Antonio Spurs, Jokic carries the second-best odds of winning MVP, according to FanDuel.
His line is set at +5000. Victor Wembanyama is tied with Jokic with the same line, while Gilgeous-Alexander is a heavy favorite at -7000.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
It’s Not Just The Sportsbooks
Beyond the sportsbooks, Gilgeous-Alexander has landed a spot as the favorite in ESPN’s annual straw poll. Anonymous media members participate in a pre-vote to reveal their early decision. When it was revealed on April 3, Jokic fell behind Wembanyama and Gilgeous-Alexander.
More recently, The Athletic ran a player poll. While anonymous player votes won’t have a direct impact on the award race, they could serve as an influence as the actual voters make their final decision. Jokic beat out Wembanyama in those results, but still trailed Gilgeous-Alexander.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander has appeared in 68 games. He shoot 55.3% from the field and 38.6% from three to average 31.1 points per game. He also came down with 4.3 rebounds per game, and dished out 6.6 assists per game.
Meanwhile, Jokic is looking to play his 65th game on Sunday. He is shooting 56.9% from the field and 37.9% from three, averaging 27.8 points per game. Jokic is averaging a triple-double for the second season in a row, coming down with 12.9 rebounds per game and producing 10.9 assists per game. He is leading the league in rebounds and assists per game.