Luka Doncic Climbs NBA MVP Odds; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Still Favored

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 19, 2026 11:05 PM ET

Luka Doncic Climbs NBA MVP Odds; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Still Favored

With under a month left in the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the MVP conversation looks settled. Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the heavy favorite in betting markets.

Latest MVP odds (DraftKings Sportsbook)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: -1100
Victor Wembanyama: +2000
Nikola Jokic: +2500
Luka Doncic: +3500
Jaylen Brown: +10000
Donovan Mitchell: +50000
Anthony Edwards: +50000
Kawhi Leonard: +100000
Jalen Brunson: +100000

Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite

Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City to the Western Conference’s top seed. He is shooting above 55 percent from the field this season. He also averages over 31 points per game.

OKC tops the league in win shares with 13.5 for SGA. Jalen Williams has missed most of the season. That absence increases Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case.

Luka Doncic’s momentum

Luka Doncic Climbs NBA MVP Odds; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Still Favored.

Doncic has surged in recent weeks. He moved past Jaylen Brown and Cade Cunningham in betting lines during a seven-game Lakers win streak.

He is averaging 33.0 points per game this season. Since the All-Star break, Doncic has averaged 33.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists. He has also shot over 41 percent from three after the break.

The Lakers occupy the No. 3 seed in the West. L.A. holds about a 1.5-game cushion for that spot. Historical precedent matters, as only two MVPs since 1983 won the award without finishing in a top-three conference seed.

Other challengers and notable developments

Victor Wembanyama sits second in odds at +2000. San Antonio remains in contention for the West’s top seed. Wembanyama’s profile keeps him in the conversation.

Nikola Jokic is listed at +2500. Denver’s second-half struggles have dimmed his prospects. The Nuggets’ form will influence Jokic’s case.

Cade Cunningham injury

Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung recently. He is expected to miss at least two weeks. There is a chance he does not return until the playoffs.

Cunningham’s season numbers include 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game. He is shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three.