NBA MVP Candidates: Final Weekend to Prove Who Will Win the League's Most Prestigious Award

(Photo : (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during a 102-100 loss to the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on April 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Despite what many may say, the KIA NBA MVP Award isn't completely locked up as some may think.

This year, four players have stood ahead of the rest of the league and still have a chance to take home the NBA MVP award with one final weekend of strong play.

Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets

Currently, the Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic is leading the way in NBA MVP voting.

Jokic had a big statement game on Wednesday, dropping 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists against Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It was Nikola Jokic's 20th 40-point game this season, and he is now averaging 26.6 points,12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists heading into the final couple games of the season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder

Although Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has missed some games due to injury, the Thunder guard's stellar play this season should still help him garner some NBA MVP votes.

The Thunder are still fighting for the first seed out in the NBA Western Conference thanks to SGA's play this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently averaging 30.4 points (3rd in scoring), 5.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while leading the league in steals at 2.1 per game.

Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are fifth in the NBA West at a record of 50-30. The Mavs moved their way safely out of the NBA Play-In through a strong second half of the season thanks to their dynamic back court of Kyrie Irving and more importantly Luka Doncic.

Since the NBA All-Star break, the Mavericks have gone 18-7 in that stretch of 25 games thanks to Luka Doncic's brilliant play.

Luka Doncic remains one of the best offensive players in the league, averaging close to a triple double while leading the NBA in scoring at 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the rest of the NBA regular season and likely the start of the postseason. However, Antetokounmpo's body of work this season definitely gives him much consideration for the NBA MVP award.

Giannis Antetokounmpo this year is currently averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. He is not as strong of a MVP candidate as the other players on this list, but Giannis has still put together a solid season overall.

This season alone has been a roller coaster ride for the Milwaukee Bucks which saw a coaching change mid-season and still Giannis Antetokounmpo has remained dominant, leading the Bucks to the second seed out in the NBA Eastern Conference; helping them remain a favorite to win it all this year.