{"id":171275,"date":"2026-01-02T14:51:05","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T19:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=171275"},"modified":"2026-01-02T14:51:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T19:51:05","slug":"sga-mvp-odds-skyrocket-with-nikola-jokic-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/01\/02\/sga-mvp-odds-skyrocket-with-nikola-jokic-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"SGA MVP Odds Skyrocket With Nikola Jokic Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

The SGA MVP campaign takes off at another level following the recent Nikola Jokic<\/a> injury that has dented his odds for the said award. After all, we’ve seen how these two players have been the consistent names atop the MVP race. The Denver star takes a noticeable time off, and it means Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> is getting more love for the award.<\/p>\n

For nearly a month and a half, Jokic has had his lead in the KIA MVP Ladder<\/a>. It was always him getting the top honors with his impressive performances. While Gilgeous-Alexander has had his fair share of explosive games, Jokic remains the top man for the MVP, so far. At this point, it may not be hard for SGA to make the climb this time around.<\/p>\n

SGA MVP Odds Skyrocket With Nikola Jokic Injury<\/h2>\n

According to reports, Jokic will be missing games for a month with a hyperextended knee. That’s a huge blow to the Nuggets’ chances to take a secure spot in the Western Conference. With the way Shai is playing right now, he’s definitely set to make up for a chance to return to the top of the MVP ladder. If you’re not convinced, the odds are already speaking for themselves.<\/p>\n

The Odds Are Shifting In SGA’s Favor<\/h3>\n

SGA was already in the lead right at the beginning<\/a> of the season. As of the time of writing, the Thunder star is at -426, way ahead of Luka Doncic<\/a>‘s +430. At this point, it’s going to be him and SGA who will be edging out each other for the MVP. Cade Cunningham<\/a> also comes into the fold as a promising candidate, especially with Detroit rising as a power in the East.<\/p>\n

Still, this doesn’t change the narrative much. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already making rounds to repeat as the MVP this year. Many critics are claiming that it would take a superhuman effort from Jokic after his absence to get back to the top. It would also take successful runs from both the Lakers and the Pistons for either Doncic or Cunningham to be a threat, respectively.<\/p>\n

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Just in: Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic has been diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee and will miss at least four weeks. An immense sigh of relief as tests show the three-time NBA MVP's knee ligaments are intact. pic.twitter.com\/u8qLE0GDd3<\/a><\/p>\n

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n