{"id":695919,"date":"2026-04-03T14:17:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T14:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/695919\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T14:17:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T14:17:17","slug":"nuggets-nikola-jokic-gets-bad-news-on-nba-mvp-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/695919\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Gets Bad News on NBA MVP Race"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Nikola\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Nikola Jokic reacts in a game against the Chicago Bulls on January 27, 2025.<\/p>\n

With a little under two weeks left to go in the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, Denver Nuggets<\/a> center Nikola Jokic is seemingly falling out of favor in the league\u2019s competitive MVP race.<\/p>\n

This week, ESPN conducted its final straw poll. Picking up votes from 100 media members with a say in the race, ESPN\u2019s latest results don\u2019t favor Jokic.<\/p>\n

While Jokic spent most of the season second to Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he\u2019s on pace to land third in the race. The San Antonio Spurs<\/a> center, Victor Wembanyama, is getting a late bump into the No. 2 spot.<\/p>\n

What Do The Numbers Say For Nikola Jokic?
\n\"Nikola<\/p>\n

GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN \u2013 FEBRUARY 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives around Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons<\/a> during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License. (Photo by Gregory Shamus\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

According to the straw poll, Jokic received 99 votes, worth 500 points.<\/p>\n

Just three of those votes were first place. 20 of them were for second, while 52 came in at third. He even received the second-most fourth-place votes with 23, trailing Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> star Luka Doncic.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that the knee injury earlier this year hurt Jokic in the long run. One of his best qualities is the fact that he plays at such a high level while rarely missing time. But most superstars dealt with an injury or two this season, and Jokic wasn\u2019t invincible this time around.<\/p>\n

\"Nikola<\/p>\n

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA \u2013 DECEMBER 29: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat<\/a> dribbles the ball against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on December 29, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

After playing in the first 32 games of the Nuggets\u2019 season, Jokic missed 16 games in a row. That alone put his chances of winning MVP in danger, as it threatened his 65-game minimum.<\/p>\n

Since returning to the court on January 30, Jokic hasn\u2019t missed a game for the Nuggets. He\u2019s been MVP-caliber, but admitted that the injury forced him to deal with some inconsistency this season.<\/p>\n

Jokic Can Have Another Goal In Mind
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA \u2013 MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball under pressure from Royce O\u2019Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns<\/a> during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Beyond MVP, Jokic will have a shot at an All-NBA nod.<\/p>\n

Also, the Nuggets will inevitably have a playoff run, giving Jokic a shot to help them make a run and potentially compete for an NBA Finals MVP. It\u2019s going to take a lot of work to get it, but the Nuggets have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA at the right time.<\/p>\n

Currently, the Nuggets are on a seven-game winning streak. They have a 49-28 record, winning eight of their last 10 games.<\/p>\n

Denver is sitting fourth in the Western Conference, trailing the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.<\/p>\n

While the Nuggets might not be viewed as the favorites to win the West, anything can happen in the coming months.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Nuggets\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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