The 2025‑26 season is only a couple of weeks old, but the NBA MVP race already has a clear group of frontrunners. The latest odds place Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (+175) at the top, followed by Victor Wembanyama (+300), Nikola Jokic (+460), Luka Doncic (+550), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (+750). Each of these stars has opened the season with standout performances, and the early numbers explain why sportsbooks have them leading the pack.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander – Thunder (+175)
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander has been the most consistent force so far. Through six games, he is averaging 34.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting 52.1% from the field and 87% at the line. His scoring has been remarkably steady, with outings of 31, 31, 23, 30, and a massive 55‑point performance against Indiana in double overtime. He has also contributed defensively with 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. The Thunder are winning, and SGA’s ability to control games on both ends makes him the early favorite.
Victor Wembanyama – Spurs (+300)
Wembanyama’s leap into MVP contention has been immediate. In five games, he is averaging 30.2 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks while shooting 56.3% from the field. His dominance has shown up in different ways. A 40‑point, 15‑rebound game against Dallas, a six‑block performance against Brooklyn, and an 18‑rebound, 5‑block night against Miami. His ability to anchor the defense while scoring efficiently makes him the most unique candidate in the field. If San Antonio keeps winning, his odds could shorten even further.
Nikola Jokic – Nuggets (+460)
Nikola Jokic remains the steady presence he has been for years. In five games, he is averaging 20.4 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 10.8 assists, nearly a triple‑double. His efficiency is elite, shooting 59.1% from the field and 86.4% from the line. He has already posted games with 19 rebounds and 10 assists against Minnesota and 15 assists against Phoenix. While his scoring is lower than the others, his all‑around production and Denver’s success keep him firmly in the top three.
Luka Doncic – Lakers (+550)
Luka Doncic has played only three games, but his numbers are staggering. 45.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He is shooting 58.4% from the field and has already delivered scoring explosions of 49, 44, and 43 points. His efficiency from deep (35.1%) and ability to control the Lakers’ offense make him a serious threat to climb the odds board quickly. If he maintains anything close to this pace, he could overtake the NBA MVP, despite the smaller sample size.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Bucks (+750)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been his usual dominant self, averaging 36.3 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists in four games. He is shooting an incredible 69.5% from the field and even hitting 57.1% from three in limited attempts. His best outing came in Cleveland, where he scored 40 points with 14 rebounds and 9 assists. The Bucks’ early results have been mixed, but Giannis’s production is undeniable.
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