2025 NBA MVP Odds: SGA Favored; Cunningham, Brown Move Up

Who will win the league's most coveted individual honor this year? As of now, it appears that it won't be three-time winner Nikola Jokić. 

The Nuggets' superstar suffered a hyperextended left knee in December, and he will now be sidelined for at least four weeks, meaning he will miss around 17 games. Reports are he hopes to return before the All-Star break.

In order for a player to win MVP, he needs to play at least 65 of 82 games. Jokić hadn't missed a game this season, but if he does miss 17, he wouldn't be able to miss a game for the remainder of the season if he hoped to be MVP eligible.

Prior to the injury, he was the favorite to win the award. Now, he's no longer on the oddsboard.

With that, let's take a look at the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Jan. 8, as well as what to know about the top candidates.

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Regular Season MVP 2025-26 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: -400

What to know: SGA is second in the NBA in scoring (31.9), and his Thunder have the best record in the NBA. He is also in the midst of a remarkable streak of 109 consecutive 20-point games, the second-most in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain (126). 

Luka Dončić, Lakers: +500 

What to know: A fitter-looking Dončić is leading the NBA in scoring (33.7), and the Lakers have been among the top five in the West standings for a majority of the season, despite missing LeBron James for 17 of 35 games. 

Cade Cunningham, Pistons: +2500

What to know: The Pistons have been the second-best team in the NBA for a majority of the season, and are the top team in the East behind their star point guard. Cunningham is second in the NBA in assists (9.7) behind Jokić.

Jaylen Brown, Celtics: +3500

What to know: Brown has been carrying the Celtics in the absence of Jayson Tatum. He's fifth in the NBA in scoring (29.7) and Boston is third in the East standings.

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