[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

At this point, embiid and lebrons injuries will probably knock them out of the race, as they will likely miss too many games. Here are the current top candidates in my estimation.

1. Nikola jokic- 27.1 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 8.6 apg, 1.6 spg, 57.1 FG, 42.7 3PT, 86.9 FT, 32 PER
From a numbers perspective this is clearly the front runner. The stats he is putting up have never come close to being duplicated in the modern era of basketball. The nuggets aren’t having quite the type of season you would usually associate with an mvp but if they can climb to third or second in the west this award is likely his.
2. Damien Lillard- 30.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.7 apg, 45.2 FG, 37.8 FT, 94.1 Ft, 26.9 PER
This is probably the sentimental favorite. He has kept Portland afloat despite some injuries to key players. The stats aren’t as impressive as jokic though. It’s going to take a big finish and some outside help to get him over the top.
3. Giannis Antetekoumpbo- 29 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.3 apg, 1.2 bpg, 56.9 FG, 29.3 PER
There will definitely be some voter fatigue working against him, as he won the past two years and flamed out in the playoffs. But his numbers are right on par with last season and Milwaukee has a pretty good chance to finish with the best record in the east. Any slippage from jokic and he could easily win again.
4. James Harden- 25.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 11.2 apg, 1.3 apg, 46.3 FG, 35.9 3PT, 86.5 Ft, 24.4 PER
The nets currently sit at first in the east and he has been their best player. He will suffer from the inevitable argument that he plays with 2 other superstars, even though kyrie has been in and out of the lineup and he’s barely actually played with Durant to this point. Probably a long shot to win the award but he’s clearly having an mvp type season.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

If Jokic stays healthy and the Nuggets remain in the playoffs in the West, he should run away with the MVP award at this pace.

[sniperParticipant]

I agree that Jokic is having a ridiculous season, and stats-wise (both counting and advanced), he’s the best player this year by far.
Still, I believe if one team is head and shoulders above all the others, the MVP of that team should be MVP of the league. If Utah finishes 3 or 4 games ahead of everyone else, I think there’s a strong argument for Gobert as MVP (and DPOY as well). Add Gobert to any roster in the league and they would make the playoffs. His defense is that impactful.

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