3 NBA Players Who Should Be Favorites For League MVP

The NBA MVP is always a topic of discussion throughout the season.

But, the amount of star players that are playing like MVPs this season is staggering.

Halfway through the season, you could count about 6-8 players that have a chance at winning league MVP.

But, a few have stood out among the rest so far.

Here are three NBA players who should be favorites for league MVP this year.

1. Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets have the best record in the Western Conference at 31-13.

One major factor in their success has been the play of Nikola Jokic.

Jokic has won MVP each of the last two seasons, and a three-peat is in play.

Players with a 35-point triple-double on 90 FG% in NBA history:

— Wilt Chamberlain
— Nikola Jokic

Jokic is the first player to do it twice. pic.twitter.com/yg1MAP0TE6

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 18, 2023

While voter fatigue does take shape in the league if Jokic keeps playing like he has it will be hard to vote against him.

On the season, Jokic is averaging 25.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game.

He is shooting 62.7% from the field and is a threat all over the floor.

Winning three straight MVPs is hard, but if anyone has a chance it is Jokic.

2. Luka Doncic

The leading scorer in the NBA is Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.

He has been trending in the direction of league MVP for a while now.

This could be the season he finally breaks through.

Most 35-point triple-doubles this season:

6 — Luka Doncic
3 — Everyone else combined pic.twitter.com/6VPsfYO916

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 13, 2023

The MVP voters are always looking to give the award to someone new.

So Doncic may have an advantage over Jokic in that aspect.

On the season, Doncic is averaging 33.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.

It is only a matter of time until Doncic walks away with an MVP.

3. Joel Embiid

After finishing second in the MVP voting the last two seasons, Embiid looks primed to break through.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been led by Embiid for years, with his only downfall being games missed.

The 28-year-old has never played more than 68 games in a season in his career, as different injuries constantly arise.

But, when he is on the court, there are not many players better.

Embiid is averaging 33.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on the season.

Centers to average 33 PPG for a Season:

— Joel Embiid (THIS SEASON)
— Wilt Chamberlian
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
— Bob McAdoo

That’s it, that’s the list. pic.twitter.com/YmtGERmDL3

— NBA Muse (@NBAMuse24) January 18, 2023

While also shooting 53.6% from the field on almost 21 shots per game.

His defensive production is something that Jokic and Doncic cannot touch, which may give him an edge in the voters’ eyes.

If Embiid can stay healthy, he will once again be a favorite for MVP come the season’s end.