The NBA MVP race is heating up as the All-Star break approaches, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified himself as the frontrunner. Averaging 32.8 points per game with three 50-point performances in his last seven outings, he’s carrying Oklahoma City to the league’s best record. But with Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo staying close behind, this race is far from over.
Jokić, the reigning two-time MVP, continues to put up mind-boggling numbers. He’s averaging a triple-double—29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.3 assists—and leading Denver to another strong season. His efficiency is unmatched, and if he continues at this pace, he could overtake SGA down the stretch. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo remains a dominant force, with 31.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, proving he’s still one of the most impactful two-way players in the league.
As odds shift with every big performance, bettors are keeping a close eye on these MVP candidates. Like your odds? There are ways to make your feelings win. Bitcoin sportsbooks allow fans to wager on MVP futures. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the clear favorite at -550 odds, it would probably be better to select a more layered bet. Fortunately, the best crypto sports betting sites come with features like this. According to iGaming expert Frank, they also include others like instant payouts, generous bonuses, and streamlined registrations.
Beyond the top three, Jayson Tatum is making a case with his all-around play for the Celtics, while Karl-Anthony Towns continues to dominate the glass for the Knicks. Tatum has been consistent, but Boston’s occasional struggles keep him just outside the top tier. Towns, meanwhile, has battled knee soreness, but his double-double machine status keeps him relevant in the conversation.
The next tier of candidates includes Donovan Mitchell, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jalen Brunson, each playing at an elite level but lacking the dominant performances needed to push into the top five. Jackson Jr.’s numbers are particularly eye-catching—he’s averaging 33 points per game in February, a huge jump from earlier in the season. If he continues this trend, he might force his way into the conversation.
Dark horses like Anthony Edwards and Alperen Sengun are also putting up impressive numbers. Edwards has been a key part of Minnesota’s surprising success, and while he isn’t putting up MVP-level stats yet, his impact is undeniable. Sengun is quietly one of the most skilled big men in the league, and as Houston gains more attention, he could get more MVP buzz.
Here are the leading NBA MVP candidates for the 2024-2025 season as at 11 February 2025:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Age: 26 years old
- NBA Debut: 2018 with the Los Angeles Clippers
- Current Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Notable Stats: Averaging 32.7 points per game with a field goal percentage of 52.8%
Nikola Jokić
- Age: 30 years old
- NBA Debut: 2015 with the Denver Nuggets
- Current Team: Denver Nuggets
- Notable Stats: Averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game
Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Age: 29 years old
- NBA Debut: 2013 with the Milwaukee Bucks
- Current Team: Milwaukee Bucks
- Notable Stats: Averaging 31.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game
Jayson Tatum
- Age: 27 years old
- NBA Debut: 2017 with the Boston Celtics
- Current Team: Boston Celtics
- Notable Stats: Averaging 28.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game
Karl-Anthony Towns
- Age: 29 years old
- NBA Debut: 2015 with the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Current Team: New York Knicks
- Notable Stats: Averaging 24.3 points and 13.6 rebounds per game
Donovan Mitchell
- Age: 28 years old
- NBA Debut: 2017 with the Utah Jazz
- Current Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Notable Stats: Leading the Eastern Conference with the Cavaliers
Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Age: 25 years old
- NBA Debut: 2018 with the Memphis Grizzlies
- Current Team: Memphis Grizzlies
- Notable Stats: Averaging 33 points per game in February 2025
Jalen Brunson
- Age: 28 years old
- NBA Debut: 2018 with the Dallas Mavericks
- Current Team: New York Knicks
- Notable Stats: Averaging 25.2 points and a career-high 7.8 assists per game
Anthony Edwards
- Age: 23 years old
- NBA Debut: 2020 with the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Current Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
- Notable Stats: Averaging 25.9 points per game
Alperen Şengün
- Age: 22 years old
- NBA Debut: 2021 with the Houston Rockets
- Current Team: Houston Rockets
- Notable Stats: Averaging 19.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game
The MVP race remains tight, with Nikola Jokić leading in Player Efficiency Rating (32.1) and Win Shares, underscoring his value to Denver. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, however, has the highest Usage Rate among contenders, highlighting his central role in OKC’s offense.
Box Plus/Minus (BPM) favors Jokić for his well-rounded playmaking and rebounding, while SGA’s offensive BPM ranks among the best, showcasing his scoring dominance. Jokić’s current stats mirror his past MVP-winning seasons, whereas SGA’s breakout year resembles Derrick Rose’s 2011 MVP campaign. Giannis Antetokounmpo, though slightly behind, has numbers comparable to his 2019 and 2020 MVP seasons.
Defense is also key. Jokić has improved but struggles with lateral quickness. SGA stands out with a Defensive Rating of 105.2 and 1.7 steals per game. Giannis remains the best two-way player, leading in Defensive Win Shares while averaging 1.3 blocks.
MVPs often come from winning teams. OKC’s rise boosts SGA’s case, while Denver’s consistency keeps Jokić in contention. Milwaukee’s struggles may hurt Giannis unless the Bucks finish strong. With a third of the season left, SGA leads in odds, but Jokić and Giannis remain in striking distance.
As a result, sportsbooks are adjusting their lines. In the dynamic landscape of NBA betting, sportsbooks continuously adjust their MVP odds in response to player performances, team success, and market dynamics.
As of early February 2025, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has emerged as the frontrunner for the MVP award, with odds at -600, indicating a strong likelihood of securing the title. This shift reflects his exceptional contributions to the Thunder’s success this season.
Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets remains a significant contender, with odds at +425. Despite the Nuggets not leading the standings, Jokić’s consistent triple-double performances have kept him firmly in the MVP conversation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, a perennial MVP candidate, currently holds odds at +8,000. While his individual statistics are impressive, the Bucks’ mid-tier standing in the Eastern Conference has impacted his MVP odds.
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is listed with odds at +20,000. The Celtics’ fluctuating performance this season has influenced Tatum’s position in the MVP race.
Victor Wembanyama, the rookie sensation for the San Antonio Spurs, holds odds at +30,000. While his inaugural NBA season has been noteworthy, the Spurs’ rebuilding phase and their position in the standings have tempered his MVP prospects.
Sportsbooks adjust these odds based on a multitude of factors, according to Forbes, including player injuries, team performance, and betting patterns. For instance, a significant injury to a leading MVP candidate can cause sportsbooks to lengthen that player’s odds while shortening the odds for others. Conversely, a series of standout performances can lead to shortened odds for a player, reflecting their increased chances of winning the MVP award.
Additionally, sportsbooks monitor betting activity and may adjust odds to balance their exposure. If a large volume of bets is placed on a particular player, the sportsbook might shorten that player’s odds to mitigate potential losses. This dynamic adjustment ensures that sportsbooks maintain a balanced book and manage risk effectively.