NBA MVP Race Complicated by 65-Game Eligibility Rule

Injuries and load management threaten to sideline top contenders like Jokic, Doncic, and Curry

Mar. 1, 2026 at 2:55am

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The NBA's Most Valuable Player race is currently led by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but a recurring theme is dramatically influencing the landscape: player availability. An ESPN straw poll reveals SGA's lead over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, but the shadow of the 65-game requirement looms large over numerous contenders, with Jokic, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, and others facing potential ineligibility due to missed games.

Why it matters

The NBA's 65-game rule for award eligibility is becoming a critical factor, as injuries and load management are significantly altering the awards conversation. This trend raises questions about the fairness and relevance of the rule, as it may inadvertently penalize players who prioritize long-term health or face unavoidable setbacks.

The details

Jokic, despite maintaining a stellar stat line, faces potential ineligibility due to a bone bruise sustained in December. If he misses two more games, his streak of five consecutive top-two MVP finishes will end. This isn't an isolated case, as San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Edwards are also approaching the 65-game threshold. Even established stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James have already fallen below the mark, while Stephen Curry is two missed games away from ineligibility.

  • Jokic sustained a bone bruise in December 2025.
  • Wembanyama can only miss four more games to remain eligible.
  • Doncic has already missed 12 games this season.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder guard and current leader in the NBA MVP race.

Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets center and five-time consecutive top-two MVP finisher, facing potential ineligibility due to missed games.

Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio Spurs rookie, currently fourth in the MVP straw poll, who can only miss four more games to remain eligible.

Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers guard who has already missed 12 games this season, approaching the 65-game threshold.

Cade Cunningham

Detroit Pistons guard who has received a first-place vote in the MVP straw poll, benefiting from the injury-plagued landscape.

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What’s next

The NBA may need to revisit the 65-game rule to ensure that the most deserving players are recognized, even if they encounter unforeseen circumstances. Potential solutions could include a tiered system based on games played or a waiver for players with documented injuries.

The takeaway

The increasing emphasis on load management and the inherent risk of injury raise questions about the fairness and relevance of the 65-game rule. The NBA may need to reconsider this policy to ensure that the most valuable players are recognized, regardless of missed games due to injury or other factors beyond their control.