NBA midseason awards picks: Experts choose MVP, DPOY, Rookie of the Year and more at halfway mark
With the 2025-26 NBA season officially crossing the 41-game threshold, the league’s landscape has begun to crystallize, offering a clear—albeit debated—picture of the hardware favorites. As teams pivot toward the postseason push, a panel of experts has weighed in on the midseason awards, revealing a narrative defined as much by availability as it is by dominance.
At the forefront of the conversation is the race for Most Valuable Player, where the torch appears to have firmly passed. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the consensus favorite to secure back-to-back trophies. With the Oklahoma City Thunder continuing their reign atop the Western Conference, Gilgeous-Alexander’s two-way brilliance has given him the inside track. The conversation has been simplified by the league’s strict 65-game eligibility rule, which has effectively removed Nikola Jokić from contention due to missed time, despite his statistical brilliance when active.
The Defensive Player of the Year race presents a more complex dilemma. Victor Wembanyama is posting historic defensive metrics, averaging a staggering 3.7 "stocks" (steals plus blocks) per game and leading the league in defensive estimated plus-minus. However, the San Antonio Spurs phenom has missed significant time—roughly 36% of the season so far—leaving voters torn between rewarding the undisputed best defender and adhering to availability thresholds. If Wembanyama falls short on games played, the door opens for consistent anchors like Rudy Gobert.
In the rookie ranks, the hype has translated into reality. Cooper Flagg, the highly touted prospect, has separated himself as the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Flagg’s seamless transition to the professional game has validated the draft-night excitement, with fellow rookie Kon Knueppel trailing in the distance.
Down the ballot, the races remain fluid. Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz has garnered significant support for Most Improved Player, transforming from a struggling prospect into a legitimate All-Star candidate. Meanwhile, the Sixth Man of the Year battle is heating up, with Keldon Johnson providing a spark for San Antonio, edging out contenders like Naz Reid and Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the eyes of many analysts. As the second half begins, the pressure is on these frontrunners to maintain their pace and, crucially, their health.
At the forefront of the conversation is the race for Most Valuable Player, where the torch appears to have firmly passed. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the consensus favorite to secure back-to-back trophies. With the Oklahoma City Thunder continuing their reign atop the Western Conference, Gilgeous-Alexander’s two-way brilliance has given him the inside track. The conversation has been simplified by the league’s strict 65-game eligibility rule, which has effectively removed Nikola Jokić from contention due to missed time, despite his statistical brilliance when active.
The Defensive Player of the Year race presents a more complex dilemma. Victor Wembanyama is posting historic defensive metrics, averaging a staggering 3.7 "stocks" (steals plus blocks) per game and leading the league in defensive estimated plus-minus. However, the San Antonio Spurs phenom has missed significant time—roughly 36% of the season so far—leaving voters torn between rewarding the undisputed best defender and adhering to availability thresholds. If Wembanyama falls short on games played, the door opens for consistent anchors like Rudy Gobert.
In the rookie ranks, the hype has translated into reality. Cooper Flagg, the highly touted prospect, has separated himself as the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Flagg’s seamless transition to the professional game has validated the draft-night excitement, with fellow rookie Kon Knueppel trailing in the distance.
Down the ballot, the races remain fluid. Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz has garnered significant support for Most Improved Player, transforming from a struggling prospect into a legitimate All-Star candidate. Meanwhile, the Sixth Man of the Year battle is heating up, with Keldon Johnson providing a spark for San Antonio, edging out contenders like Naz Reid and Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the eyes of many analysts. As the second half begins, the pressure is on these frontrunners to maintain their pace and, crucially, their health.
