The race for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award is intensifying, but the campaigns of leading contenders Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets are facing a potential roadblock. A novel NBA rule regarding minimum games played could jeopardize their eligibility for the prestigious honor.

New Rule Threatens Top Contenders

Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are at risk of not meeting the NBA’s new requirement for postseason awards eligibility. The rule stipulates that players must participate in at least 65 games to qualify. This change, implemented in 2023, was intended to address concerns about load management.

As of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Gilgeous-Alexander is the betting favorite at -125 on DraftKings Sportsbook, with Jokic trailing at +310. Although, their recent absences due to injury have position them in a precarious position.

Injury Updates and Remaining Schedules

Gilgeous-Alexander is currently sidelined with an abdominal strain and has already missed 11 games this season. He will need to play in at least 16 of the remaining 22 regular-season games to meet the 65-game threshold. He was ruled out of Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.

Jokic has missed 16 games thus far and can afford to miss only two more to remain eligible.

Cunningham Gains Momentum

The uncertainty surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic has led to increased betting activity on Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham. Over the past week, Cunningham has attracted more MVP bets at DraftKings Sportsbook than all other players combined, moving from 14-1 to 9-2 in odds.

BetMGM sportsbooks have also seen more MVP bets placed on Cunningham than any other player throughout the season.

Expert Perspectives

“The minimum, collectively bargained in 2023 in response to what the league felt was an abuse of load management, has become a polarizing issue.”

SI.com

MVP Odds Snapshot (February 25, 2026)