Feb 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Imagesimage captionFeb 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Feb 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we continue in the second half of the season with the playoffs arriving in just a few months, the NBA MVP race is getting closer than ever. In our latest rankings, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were very close in a head-to-head and the race is getting closer than ever considering how dominant they have been.
These two superstars will likely battle it out until the very end of the season, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an updated list featuring some other superstar players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and others. This updated ranking highlights how the MVP race is looking so far in the 2024-25 season.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Dec 28, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) handles the ball and looks to pass chased by Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green (10) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City Thunder (51-11)
Season Stats: 32.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.6 TOV, 52.6% FG, 37.8% 3-PT FG, 89.8% FT
Leading the Thunder to a Western Conference-best 51-11 record, SGA has been a relentless force on both ends of the floor. His efficiency is remarkable, shooting over 52% from the field while averaging nearly 33 points per game. What’s even scarier is his ability to take over games in crunch time, making him the most valuable player on the most successful team.
The Thunder’s transformation from a rebuilding squad to a legitimate title contender hinges directly on Shai’s brilliance, making his MVP case hard to deny. At just 26, SGA might be on his way to his first MVP, and if his form holds, the voters will find it tough to argue otherwise unless they focus on Nikola Jokic’s triple-double.
2. Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Ball Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets (40-22)
Season Stats: 28.8 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 10.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.3 TOV, 57.6% FG, 43.9% 3-PT FG, 81.9% FT
Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP, continues to redefine what it means to be a dominant big man in today’s NBA. His triple-double average is almost routine at this point, but what truly separates Jokic is his efficiency and his impact on winning. The Nuggets may not have the Thunder’s record, but Jokic’s ability to control games with his passing, rebounding, and scoring is unmatched.
His 43.9% shooting from beyond the arc is just icing on the cake, making him an impossible cover for opposing defenses. If he can close the gap in team wins down the stretch, a fourth MVP trophy might be in his near future but we cannot discount Shai’s team record and that is the slight difference for us right now.
3. Jayson Tatum
Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Boston Celtics (45-18)
Season Stats: 26.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.9 TOV, 45.2% FG, 35.2% 3-PT FG, 80.2% FT
Consistency has been Jayson Tatum’s calling card this season. He’s the centerpiece of a Boston Celtics team that’s right in the mix for the top spot in the East, and his versatility on both ends of the floor has been crucial and we can't deny his place as the leader of the team.
Tatum’s improved playmaking and ability to rebound effectively make him a legitimate MVP candidate, but his somewhat streaky shooting could be a concern for voters. If he can elevate his shooting efficiency in the final stretch and possibly guide the Celtics to the top seed in the East, Tatum’s MVP odds will receive a serious boost.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) head to the bench on a timer out against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Milwaukee Bucks (36-25)
Season Stats: 30.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 3.3 TOV, 60.5% FG, 19.0% 3-PT FG, 59.6% FT
The Greek Freak has had another monster season on the stat sheet, reminding everyone why he’s a two-time MVP. Giannis Antetokounmpo's raw stats are absurd, but his MVP case takes a hit due to Milwaukee’s inconsistency. His dominance in the paint and ability to impact the game defensively make him a nightmare for opponents, yet his free-throw struggles and the Bucks’ underwhelming record are hurdles he’ll need to overcome.
Giannis's ability to put pressure on defenses by attacking the rim is unparalleled, but his outside shooting remains a glaring weakness. If the Bucks can string together a strong finish to the season, Giannis might find himself back in the thick of the MVP discussion but he is in fourth place right now.
5. Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) watches his three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
New York Knicks (40-22)
Season Stats: 24.5 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.6 TOV, 53.0% FG, 42.5% 3-PT FG, 83.6% FT
KAT’s impact on the Knicks has been transformative. Leading the team to a 40-22 record, his ability to space the floor and dominate inside has given New York a reliable go-to option. The Knicks’ resurgence is a direct result of Towns’ ability to put pressure on defenses with his shooting and post presence.
His three-point efficiency at 42.5% for a big man is nearly unheard of, and his defensive improvements are noticeable. If the Knicks can continue their strong play, Towns might emerge as a dark horse in the MVP conversation but he could be at risk of falling outside of the top-five considering how great Donovan Mitchell and LeBron James have been.
6. LeBron James
Mar 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers (40-21)
Season Stats: 24.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 4.0 TOV, 51.9% FG, 39.4% 3-PT FG, 77.6% FT
At 40 years old, LeBron James refuses to slow down. His near triple-double average is remarkable for any player, let alone someone in their 22nd season. LeBron’s playmaking and leadership have kept the Lakers in contention, but voter fatigue might be his biggest challenge along with the fact he has Luka Doncic by his side.
His defensive effort has dipped, but his offensive brilliance remains unmatched. If the Lakers can push for a higher seed, LeBron might just force his way into a serious MVP discussion yet again and we have him just outside the top-five because the team record is largely due to Luka’s presence alongside The King.
7. Donovan Mitchell
Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers (52-10)
Season Stats: 24.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.0 TOV, 45.6% FG, 39.2% 3-PT FG, 82.8% FT
The Cavaliers boast the best record in the league, and Donovan Mitchell has been their offensive anchor. While his numbers aren’t as gaudy as others on this list, Mitchell’s impact on winning is undeniable and the best player on the best team will always get MVP votes.
Regardless, his leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments bolster his MVP argument, but sharing the spotlight with Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen might dilute his case. Even so, leading the best team in the league has to count for something and we have him in 7th place with a chance to get into the top five if he goes on a hot streak.
8. Anthony Edwards
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates after making a three point shot against the Boston Celtics in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves (35-29)
Season Stats: 27.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.3 TOV, 43.9% FG, 40.6% 3-PT FG, 83.7% FT
Anthony Edwards has taken a significant leap this season, emerging as the clear leader for the Timberwolves with Karl-Anthony Towns gone. His scoring ability has been electric, knocking down over 40% of his threes. Edwards has added a new dimension to his game, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Wolves’ solid record and Edwards’ all-around impact make a compelling argument for him to be higher in the MVP conversation, especially if he can sustain this level of play into the postseason. The fact that Edwards has remained consistent despite the roster changes this season is a clear testament to his growth.
9. Evan Mobley
Credit: Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers (52-10)
Season Stats: 18.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 2.0 TOV, 56.9% FG, 36.7% 3-PT FG, 74.1% FT
Evan Mobley’s defensive prowess has been the backbone of the Cavaliers’ league-best record. As a first-time All-Star, his improved mid-range game and playmaking from the post have also opened up Cleveland’s offense, providing a balanced attack that has overwhelmed opponents all season.
While Donovan Mitchell might be the Cavs' primary scoring threat, Mobley's two-way impact cannot be overstated. As the Cavaliers continue their dominant run, Mobley's contributions on both ends make a strong case for him to be recognized among the league’s elite, even if he doesn’t take home the MVP hardware.
10. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Oct 28, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dunks during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. Mandatory
Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies (38-24)
Season Stats: 22.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 2.2 TOV, 49.7% FG, 36.5% 3-PT FG, 77.2% FT
Jaren Jackson Jr. has emerged as a force for the Grizzlies this season, proving he's more than just a defensive specialist. While his shot-blocking and defensive versatility are still elite, it’s his offensive growth that has taken his game to the next level. Averaging over 22 points per game on nearly 50% shooting, Jackson's offense has been a game-changer for Memphis.
On the defensive end, Jackson's rim protection remains elite, anchoring a Memphis defense that thrives on physicality and toughness. If Jackson can maintain his offensive production and keep the Grizzlies in the upper echelon of the Western Conference, his case for MVP consideration will only strengthen.
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