Luka Doncic Injury Shakes Up MVP Race

Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Spurs' Victor Wembanyama now top contenders

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract NBA basketball game, with the players' bodies and the ball broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant colors like blue, orange, and purple.The race for the 2025-26 NBA MVP award has become a high-stakes battle, with injuries and late-season surges shaking up the competition.Los Angeles Today

The NBA MVP race has taken an unexpected turn with Luka Doncic's recent hamstring injury sidelining the Lakers star. Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama have emerged as the new frontrunners for the award, with both players putting up dominant performances in recent games.

Why it matters

Doncic was widely considered the MVP favorite before his injury, so his absence has opened up the race. Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama are now in position to potentially win their first career MVP awards, which would shake up the league's hierarchy of superstars.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander has been on a tear, scoring at least 20 points in 137 consecutive games. He recently dropped 47 points in an overtime win against the Pistons and 21 first-half points in a blowout of the Lakers. Meanwhile, Wembanyama has been a dominant two-way force, recording 41-point games in each of his last two outings while also protecting the rim with 3 blocks per contest. The Spurs have won 15 straight games with Wembanyama in the lineup.

  • Doncic suffered a left hamstring injury on April 2 that may sideline him for the remainder of the regular season.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points against the Pistons on March 30.
  • Wembanyama recorded 41 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks against the Bulls on March 30, and 41 points, 18 rebounds, and 3 blocks against the Warriors on April 1.

The players

Luka Doncic

Star point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who was previously considered the MVP favorite before suffering a hamstring injury.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

All-Star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has been on a scoring tear, averaging over 30 points per game in his last seven contests.

Victor Wembanyama

Rookie phenom center for the San Antonio Spurs who has been dominant on both ends of the floor, recording 41-point games in each of his last two outings.

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What’s next

The NBA regular season is winding down, with teams having just a few games left. Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, and the other top MVP candidates will need to finish the season strong to secure the award.

The takeaway

The NBA MVP race has become much more wide open with Luka Doncic's injury, giving players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama a chance to potentially win their first career MVP awards and shake up the league's hierarchy of superstars.