Nikola Jokic’s injury will have consequences beyond the Denver Nuggets. If his absence is prolonged, it will hurt his chances of winning NBA year-end awards, including Most Valuable Player (MVP), which could once again go to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
On Monday night, the Nuggets received the worst possible end-of-year news: star center Nikola Jokic left the game against the Miami Heat with an injury.
Initial reports suggested Jokic might have suffered an ACL tear. However, more recent information indicates it was less serious, but will still keep him out of action for four weeks.
The player will undergo an MRI in the coming days to determine the exact nature of his injury. However, if the predictions hold true, it could be the end of his MVP race.
Jokic’s injury opens the way for SGA
The NBA sets a minimum of 65 games played to be eligible for its regular-season awards. A month-long absence could knock Jokic out of the eligibility threshold.
If this happens, Gilgeous-Alexander would have a clear path to repeat as MVP. Currently, the Oklahoma City Thunder star is averaging 32 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.
Not only that, the star guard was a vital part of the Thunder’s 24-1 run at the start of the season. Although the team has slowed down recently, it still aspires to break the Golden State Warriors’ record of 73 wins from 2015-16.
The Thunder’s slump, however, seemed to open the door for Jokic to overtake SGA in the MVP race. With 29.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists, the Serbian was strong competition for Gilgeous-Alexander.
Who else could challenge SGA?
With Jokic out of the conversation, at least for now, only a handful of players have legitimate MVP aspirations. Lakers star Luka Doncic is next in line.
Bookmakers have Gilgeous-Alexander at -220 odds to win the MVP, Jokic at +400, and Doncic at +450. Far behind them is Cade Cunningham (Pistons) at +7500.
However, Doncic’s chances seem slim after the Lakers’ rollercoaster season. Thus, it appears SGA has his second MVP basically secured.
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