2025-26 NBA Midseason Awards: MVP, DPOY, Rookie of Year

As we head into the NBA All-Star break, it’s time to check out the current odds and favorites for individual awards. One thing to keep in mind is that the 65-game bar to be eligible for postseason awards is a tough one to clear. With injuries and ‘load management, some players could be out of contention.  Let’s dive in.

NBA Most Valuable Player 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder (-210)

SGA is trying to become the fourth player in the last decade to win back-to-back MVP awards and is making a serious case, as his numbers from last season (31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.3 steals) aren’t far off his stats from a year ago. His true shooting efficiency is the best of his career at about 67%.

Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (+275)

The three-time MVP is averaging a triple-double this season (28.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 10.7 assists) and hitting nearly 43% from 3-point range, a career-best.  But the reason this is a risky wager is that Nikola Jokic has already missed 16 games due to a knee injury, and he can now only afford to miss a single game before being ineligible for this honor.  Take that out, and Jokic likely would be the favorite.

MVP Odds

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander -220

Nikola Jokic +275

Cade Cunningham +1400

Luka Doncic +1800

Jaylen Brown +2500

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Victor Wembanyama, Spurs (-275)

Victor Wembanyama is the obvious favorite for this award as he is No. 1 in blocks (2.7) and No. 3 in defensive rebounds (9.1).  Those numbers alone put him at the top of this list. But the problem for Wemby will be games played, as he’s already missed 14 games due to calf and knee issues. He can only miss 4 games the rest of the way.

Chet Holmgren, Thunder (+200)

Chet Holmgren’s presence alone alters opposing offensive sets, and his length and instincts help the Thunder consistently rank among the league’s best in defensive efficiency.  He averages 8.7 rebounds and 2 blocks per game and offers better value to win this award by default if Wembanyama isn’t eligible.  

Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves (+1200)

Despite being longer in the odds than Holmgren or Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert remains a top candidate for DPOY due to his elite rim protection and track record as a multi-time award winner. Gobert averages 11.3 rebounds, third best, and 1.7 blocks per game.  He would need a big second-half charge to jump into serious contention.

Defensive Player of the Year Odds

Victor Wembanyama -275

Chet Holmgren +200

Rudy Gobert +1200 

Scottie Barnes +2800

Ausar Thompson +5000

NBA Sixth Man of the Year 

Naz Reid, Timberwolves (+200)

In the most wide-open race, Naz Reid leads the way for the Sixth Man of the Year, as his contribution off the bench has been effective in Minnesota. He averages 14.4 PPG, 6.4 REB, and 2.5 assists in just 26 minutes per game is one of the best for a non-starter.

Keldon Johnson, Spurs (+325)

Another leading contender is Keldon Johnson, whose numbers are just as good.  The Spurs forward, who averages about 24 minutes per game, is scoring 13.5 PPG, 5.9 REB, and 1.4 assists off the bench.  Johnson’s volume scoring and established reserve role give him a strong case for this honor.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat (+500)

Jaime Jaquez Jr. is one of the more versatile and complete bench options in the league. Jaquez Jr. combines scoring, rebounding, defensive play, and playmaking, often closing games for the Heat. His numbers are higher (15.2 PPG, 5.4 REB, 4.7 assists) as he plays more minutes, nearly 29 per game.  Offers value nearing the All-Star break.

NBA Sixth Man of the Year Odds

Naz Reid +200

Keldon Johnson +325

Jaime Jaquez Jr. +500

Ajay Mitchell +800

Reed Sheppard +1200

Rookie of the Year

Cooper Flagg, Mavericks (-1200)

Cooper Flagg is showing why he was taken first overall last year as he’s been efficient as a 19-year-old on an average Mavericks team.  19 PPG, 6 REB, 4 assists is a solid stat line as Flagg tries to get Dallas into a play-in position.  If he continues at this pace, it’ll be tough for any other player to challenge Flagg.  

Kon Knueppel, Hornets (+600)

Kon Knueppel has been a revelation for the Hornets.  The fourth pick in the draft is a full year and a half older than Flagg and seems to be the franchise cornerstone in Charlotte.  He is averaging nearly 19 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists a game while shooting 43% from 3-point range.  His price offers great value for a player playing a tough guard position.

VJ Edgecombe, 76ers +6600

VJ Edgecombe has had a great first season with the 76ers, averaging 15 PPG, 5.4 REB, and 4.2 assists, but is a distant third for this award.  Barring major injuries to Flagg and Knueppel, the Rookie of the Year Award is just a two-horse race.

Rookie of the Year Odds

Cooper Flagg -1200

Kon Knueppel +600

VJ Edgecombe +6600

Most Improved Player of the Year

Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers (-110)

Deni Avdija has had quite the start to 2026, averaging an eye-popping 30 PPG, 7 REB, and 7 assists. He’s been carrying Portland’s entire offense on his shoulders while keeping the team in playoff contention. Not bad for a player who was considered a throw-in in the Malcolm Brogdon trade.

Jalen Johnson, Hawks (+225)

Jalen Johnson is averaging over 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, marking a significant leap to stardom and potential All-Star status. Last season, he averaged 18.9 PPG.   His 52.3 fantasy points per game place him in the top tier of producers.  With the trade of Trae Young, Johnson is now taking a primary role with the Hawks.

Keyonte George, Jazz (+600)

Keyonte George is averaging 24 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds per game after a season last year where he shot under 40% and was one of the worst defenders in the NBA with a high turnover rate.  He’s turning into a big piece of Utah’s future and should be in the conversation for Most Improved.

Most Improved Player of the Year Odds

Deni Avdija -110

Jalen Johnson +225

Keyonte George +600

Nickeil Alexander-Walker +1000

Jalen Duren +1800