NBA 65-Game Rule Impacts Award Eligibility

Which players have met the threshold and which may fall short?

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court, with players and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a color palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the complex impact of the NBA's 65-game rule on award eligibility.The NBA's 65-game rule creates a fragmented landscape of award eligibility, challenging the league's top talent.Los Angeles Today

The NBA's 65-game rule, implemented in 2023-24, requires players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards like MVP and All-NBA teams. This year, the rule is having a bigger impact as many star players have missed time due to minor injuries, putting their award eligibility in jeopardy.

Why it matters

The 65-game rule was intended to prevent teams from resting their top players, but it has become more controversial this season as several MVP candidates and other award contenders may not meet the threshold due to injuries. This raises questions about the fairness of the rule and whether the NBA should consider adjustments.

The details

Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Brown, and Scottie Barnes have already surpassed the 65-game mark and are eligible for awards. However, stars such as Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are in danger of falling short due to missed games. The rule has also impacted award races, with the Rookie of the Year competition between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel potentially coming down to the wire.

  • The 65-game rule has been in effect since the 2023-24 NBA season.
  • Players have until the end of the regular season, which concludes on April 12, 2026, to reach the 65-game threshold.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has played in 68 games and is considered the frontrunner for the MVP award.

Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks rookie is in a close race for Rookie of the Year with Kon Knueppel.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets center has played in 64 games and needs to play in one more to be eligible for awards.

Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs rookie has played in 63 games and needs to play in both of the team's remaining games to be eligible.

Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves star has played in 60 games and is likely to fall short of the 65-game threshold.

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What they’re saying

“The 65-game rule has made this awards season much more interesting, but it's also raised some fairness concerns. We'll have to see if the league revisits the policy in the offseason.”

— Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers Player

“It's frustrating to see some of the league's best players potentially miss out on awards because of this rule. Injuries are part of the game, and players shouldn't be penalized for that.”

— Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Player

What’s next

The NBA will likely review the 65-game rule in the offseason and consider potential adjustments or exceptions to address the concerns raised this season.

The takeaway

The 65-game rule has added an extra layer of drama to the NBA's award races, but it has also highlighted potential flaws in the policy. As the league looks to balance rewarding the best players with preventing load management, further discussions and potential changes to the rule may be on the horizon.