The 2025 NBA MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in years. With the league more balanced than ever, multiple superstars are in strong positions to capture the award. Here’s a breakdown of the favorites and some dark horse candidates who could surprise everyone by season’s end.
MVP Favorites
1. Nikola Jokić
The two-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP remains one of the safest bets. His all-around brilliance—elite passing, scoring efficiency, and rebounding—makes him a nightly triple-double threat. Jokić has the narrative, the stats, and the team success with Denver staying near the top of the Western Conference standings.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
As long as Giannis is healthy, he’s in the conversation. He continues to dominate both ends of the floor, averaging north of 30 points and 11 rebounds while anchoring Milwaukee’s defense. If the Bucks finish first in the East and Giannis plays around 70 games, the voters will take notice.
3. Luka Dončić
Dončić is the definition of MVP-level impact. If Dallas climbs into a top-four seed in the West, Luka’s gaudy numbers—around 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists per game—are impossible to ignore. Voters love a high-usage superstar carrying a team, and that’s Luka’s whole identity.
4. Jayson Tatum
Boston’s steady success keeps Tatum in the MVP mix. He’s improved as a playmaker and defender, and if the Celtics maintain the NBA’s best record, Tatum’s contributions on both ends could finally get him over the top.
Dark Horse Candidates
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai finished top five in MVP voting last year, and OKC has only gotten better. If the Thunder surprise the league by finishing as a top-three seed, SGA’s silky smooth 30-point-per-game average and elite efficiency could vault him into the top spot.
2. Anthony Edwards
The Timberwolves are finally putting it together, and Edwards has become their clear alpha. His athleticism, scoring, and growing defensive prowess make him a candidate if Minnesota remains in the hunt for a top seed. Voters love ascending stars, and Ant-Man has all the narrative momentum.
3. Stephen Curry
Don’t count him out. If the Warriors stay healthy and make a run, Curry’s shooting numbers will once again dazzle. It would take a special season at his age, but his popularity and impact keep him lurking on the edge of MVP talk.
4. Tyrese Haliburton
Before his midseason injury, Haliburton looked like a legitimate MVP candidate. If Indiana finishes strong and he leads the league in assists while scoring efficiently, the voters may reward his role in reviving a previously irrelevant franchise.
Final Thoughts
While Jokić and Giannis lead the MVP odds, the 2025 race feels wide open. Team success is always crucial, but narrative plays a big part too. Breakout stars like Edwards and SGA have compelling cases if their teams overachieve. With so much talent across the league, the MVP field is as deep and unpredictable as it’s been in years.
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