As the NBA season resumes following the All-Star Break, the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title intensifies. ESPN has recently released its latest MVP poll, offering insightful updates on the leading contenders with about thirty games left in the season.
MVP Race Update from ESPN
Tim Bontemps of ESPN frequently provides vital insights into the state of the MVP race throughout the season. His polls reflect voting procedures similar to those used at the end of the season, involving feedback from approximately one hundred journalists. As of February 20, 2026, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holds a commanding lead in the standings.
Current Standings
Here are the latest points from the MVP poll:
- 1) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 930 points
- 2) Nikola Jokic: 700 points
- 3) Cade Cunningham: 382 points
- 4) Victor Wembanyama: 242 points
- 5) Luka Doncic: 177 points
- 6) Jaylen Brown: 87 points
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Gilgeous-Alexander, who was slightly ahead at the end of December, has increased his lead over Jokic, who has faced challenges due to a prolonged absence from injury earlier in the year. Currently, Gilgeous-Alexander is also nursing an injury, having missed seven games so far this season, yet it does not appear to hinder his MVP candidacy.
The Impact of Injuries
The league’s rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games could significantly alter the MVP race moving forward. Jokic is two games away from ineligibility, while Wembanyama and Doncic also find themselves at risk, having missed 13 and 12 games respectively.
In line with our own MVP rankings released yesterday, Cade Cunningham has capitalized on the Detroit Pistons’ impressive season to secure a spot on the podium, placing third. Wembanyama remains fourth, while Doncic rounds out the top five, ahead of Jaylen Brown in sixth.
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