Nikola Jokic Remains in NBA MVP Race Despite Injury Absence

The Denver Nuggets center is second in the MVP odds despite missing over a month with a knee injury.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is making a strong case to win his fourth MVP award, despite missing 16 consecutive games due to a knee injury. The Nuggets are the third seed in the Western Conference with a 35-20 record, and Jokic is sitting firmly in the NBA MVP conversation, though he has slipped to second in the latest MVP ladder rankings and odds.

Why it matters

Jokic's injury absence allowed other top MVP candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to gain ground, but the Nuggets star is still very much in the race. His ability to lead the Nuggets to success despite the injury and continue putting up elite statistical numbers will be key to his chances of winning a fourth MVP award.

The details

Jokic is averaging 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game this season, with efficient 59.0/42.0/84.0 shooting splits. He is on pace to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounds and assists per game while also scoring near 30 points per game. However, Jokic's and the Nuggets' recent struggles since his return from injury have put a dent in his MVP case, according to NBA.com's Shaun Powell.

  • Jokic missed 16 consecutive games due to a knee injury.
  • Jokic returned from the injury, but he and the Nuggets have not been as sharp since then.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center and four-time NBA MVP candidate.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard and current favorite to win the NBA MVP award.

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What they’re saying

“A few MVP candidates took advantage when he missed nearly a month with an injury. Now, Jokić is returning the favor with Gilgeous-Alexander and Dončić dealing with injury absences. Before his injury, Jokić led the Ladder by a considerable margin.”

— Shaun Powell, NBA.com writer (NBA.com)

“He and the Nuggets haven't been as sharp since he returned, though. Jokić is misfiring on 3-pointers and a step slow defensively as he tries to regain his timing. Still, the recent schedule was challenging (Pistons, OKC, Knicks, Cleveland). Jokić's chances of returning to No. 1 will depend on Denver winning regularly, which the Nuggets are fully capable of doing once Aaron Gordon returns.”

— Shaun Powell, NBA.com writer (NBA.com)

What’s next

Jokic can only miss one more game before becoming ineligible for the MVP award, which is certainly worth monitoring. As long as he stays eligible, he makes a strong case to win the award for the fourth time.

The takeaway

Despite missing significant time due to injury, Nikola Jokic remains firmly in the NBA MVP race, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the latest odds and rankings. Jokic's ability to continue putting up elite statistical numbers and lead the Nuggets to success will be crucial to his chances of winning a fourth MVP award.