As the dust settles after the thrilling Christmas Day matchups, where some superstars dazzled and others slipped into the shadows, it’s time to take a fresh look at the MVP race. Here’s the latest ranking, just in time for the festive season, as we gear up for the year 2026.
The MVP Race Heats Up
LATEST RANKING AS OF 12/10
- Stats: 30.7 points / 4.6 rebounds / 5.4 assists / 1.4 steals / 49.9% shooting
- Record: 17 wins – 15 losses
Donovan Mitchell dazzled once again at Madison Square Garden, showcasing his prowess against the Knicks on Christmas Day, despite the Cavs’ loss. This performance mirrors Cleveland’s ongoing struggle this season. Although Mitchell is enjoying a career-best offensive season, the Cavaliers maintain a narrowly positive record and remain outside the Top 6. One has to wonder where the team would be without Mitchell’s nightly efforts to keep them competitive. As injuries ease, can the Cavaliers find their rhythm as we enter 2026?
Emerging Contenders
- Stats: 30.8 points / 4.4 rebounds / 7 assists / 1.7 steals / 46.1% shooting
- Record: 16 wins – 13 losses
Tyrese Maxey is making waves with the Philadelphia Sixers alongside rookie V.J. Edgecombe, recently achieving major victories, including one against the Knicks. However, Maxey is still seeking a winning record in games alongside stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, currently sitting at 0-4 when they play together. Despite a recent dip against Brooklyn, Maxey is undeniably the MVP of the Sixers, keeping them firmly within the Top 5 of the East.
- Stats: 29.4 points / 5.1 rebounds / 3.8 assists / 1.4 steals / 49.4% shooting
- Record: 20 wins – 11 losses
Anthony Edwards delivered an exciting performance on Christmas Day, scoring 44 points and hitting a crucial clutch shot, even as his team lost. Before that, he led the Timberwolves to a win against the Thunder, and with ten victories in their last thirteen games, the Wolves are breaking into the Top 5 of the West. Fans are hoping this rising star can stay healthy after recently facing some injuries.
- Stats: 23.7 points / 11.8 rebounds / 3.6 assists / 3.1 blocks / 51.4% shooting
- Record: 23 wins – 7 losses
Victor Wembanyama has swiftly returned to the MVP conversation following his recovery from a calf injury. Even during his comeback as a substitute, he has made a significant impact, leading the Spurs to three victories over the Thunder, including a Christmas Day clash. With his recent performances, San Antonio holds the second spot in the West, enhancing Wembanyama’s candidacy.
Top Performers
- Stats: 29.4 points / 6.3 rebounds / 4.9 assists / 1.2 steals / 50.2% shooting
- Record: 19 wins – 11 losses
“No one is playing better than me right now,” Jaylen Brown proclaimed during a recent stream, and he backs it up well. His recent streak includes eight consecutive games scoring at least 30 points while shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range. Brown’s impressive output helps the Celtics maintain a podium position in the Eastern Conference, especially as he continues to step up in Jayson Tatum’s absence.
- Stats: 26.5 points / 6.3 rebounds / 9.6 assists / 1.6 steals / 45.9% shooting
- Record: 24 wins – 7 losses
Cade Cunningham has played a vital role in the Pistons’ success, although he has seen a slight drop in scoring, averaging 23 points per game this December. His playmaking has shined, leading to 31 assists in his last two games. However, turnovers have been an issue, leading to missed opportunities for the Pistons, who remain at the top of the Eastern Conference with a strong record.
- Stats: 29.3 points / 3.3 rebounds / 6.5 assists / 47.8% shooting
- Record: 21 wins – 9 losses
Jalen Brunson continues his fantastic rise, highlighted by a stellar December. His accomplishments include winning the NBA Cup MVP, being named Player of the Week in the East, hitting a game-winner in Indiana, and putting up 47 points against Miami. Brunson remains the driving force for the Knicks, leading them back into contention in the East with strong performances.
- Stats: 33.7 points / 8.5 rebounds / 8.7 assists / 1.5 steals / 46.1% shooting
- Record: 19 wins – 10 losses
Luka Doncic is currently third in the MVP rankings but finds himself closer to the fourth spot. The Lakers are struggling, having lost three consecutive games and six of their last ten. Doncic’s injury may be affecting his performance. With Austin Reaves sidelined for several weeks and LeBron James approaching 41, the pressure mounts on Luka to lead the team.
- Stats: 32.1 points / 4.9 rebounds / 6.5 assists / 1.5 steals / 55.1% shooting
- Record: 26 wins – 5 losses
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to excel individually, recently surpassing 100 consecutive games with at least 20 points. However, the Thunder have struggled recently after a promising start to the season, losing four of their last six games. Following a Christmas defeat, SGA stressed the need for improvement and accountability across the team, reducing the weight of team success in his MVP candidacy.
- Stats: 29.8 points / 12.1 rebounds / 11 assists / 1.4 steals / 60.9% shooting
- Record: 22 wins – 8 losses
In a memorable Christmas Day performance, Nikola Jokic delivered an astonishing 56 points, including 18 in overtime, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists in a hard-fought victory against the Timberwolves. This stunning display has reestablished him as a serious contender for the MVP award. Despite being surrounded by injuries on his team, Jokic continues to lead the Nuggets, who have secured eight wins in their last ten games. “It’s an honor and privilege to watch this guy play basketball,” said Charles Barkley.
Honorable Mentions: Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant (Rockets), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Devin Booker (Suns).
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