NBA Awards Race 2025: MVP, Defensive Player, and All-NBA Teams Battle Heats Up

MVP Race: A Two-Player Showdown

The MVP race in the 2025 NBA season has narrowed down to a thrilling two-player contest between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Gilgeous-Alexander has surged ahead in advanced metrics like EPM wins, making his case for the MVP even stronger. Meanwhile, Jokic, a three-time MVP, is averaging a triple-double and could clinch his fourth title if the Nuggets improve their standings.

Other Contenders:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: Despite a calf strain, Giannis remains in the conversation but faces an uphill battle to stay eligible.

Defensive Player of the Year: Wembanyama Leads the Pack

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. With 3.8 blocks per game, he’s a defensive force, even if the Spurs’ overall defense remains lackluster. Luguentz Dort of the Thunder and Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Grizzlies are also strong contenders.

Rookie of the Year: Emerging Stars

Stephon Castle of the Spurs is the favorite for Rookie of the Year, thanks to his all-around contributions. However, Kel’el Ware of the Miami Heat and Zach Edey of the Grizzlies are also making strong cases with their recent performances.

Sixth Man of the Year: Pritchard’s Dominance

Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics is the clear favorite, averaging 13.8 points with exceptional shooting efficiency. De’Andre Hunter and Malik Beasley are also in the mix.

Most Improved Player: Cunningham and Powell

Cade Cunningham of the Pistons and Norman Powell of the Clippers are co-favorites. Cunningham has elevated his game to All-Star levels, while Powell is scoring at a career-best clip.

Coach of the Year: Atkinson’s Leadership

Kenny Atkinson of the Cavaliers is the leading candidate, steering Cleveland to the league’s best record. J.B. Bickerstaff of the Pistons and Ime Udoka of the Rockets are also in contention.

All-NBA Teams: Predicting the Lineups

First Team:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
• Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
• Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
• Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Second Team:

• Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
• Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
• Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

Third Team:

• Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
• Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
• Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
• Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers