Who Will Be the 2023 NBA MVP? Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid Lead the Race

• Nikola Jokic is favored to win a third straight MVP award
• Joel Embiid is once again the Nuggets center’s main rival for the award
• Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is also a candidate again

Will Nikola Jokic win his third straight MVP?

Will Joel Embiid finally win an MVP after coming in second twice?

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo reclaim his MVP crown?

With the playoffs less than two months away, let’s dive in and look at the leading candidates for the Michael Jordan Trophy.

1. Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is making a run for a rare MVP three-peat.

The Denver Nuggets big man is the two-time reigning winner of the prestigious award, and he is once again ahead of the pack in this year’s race.

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He has dominated the league all season, with the Serbian center averaging a triple-double (24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game). Jokic has amassed 25 triple-doubles this campaign.

2. Joel Embiid

For the third consecutive year, Joel Embiid is making a solid case to become the league’s MVP.

The Philadelphia 76ers center averages a career-high 33.2 points on 53.5 percent shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 35.2 minutes per game.

He showed his offensive prowess in Monday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, scoring 42 points in the 147-143 win, per ESPN. The Sixers have benefited from Embiid’s stellar play, with Philly in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Like Jokic, the "Greek Freak" is also looking to capture his third MVP award this year. Giannis is the main reason the Bucks have the best record in the NBA right now.

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He impacts the game on both ends, making Milwaukee a tough team to beat this campaign. Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game this season.

4. Jayson Tatum

The Boston Celtics star became an early frontrunner for the MVP award, with the Celtics surging to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Tatum’s MVP hopes, however, were derailed by injury and inconsistency, with the Celtics now trailing the Milwaukee Bucks in the team standings. He is sixth in the league in scoring, averaging 30.3 points per game this season.

5. Luka Doncic

Another star whose MVP candidacy has lost steam is Luka Doncic. He has had a cold stretch lately, with the Slovenian suffering from a thigh injury. It doesn’t help Luka’s case that the Mavs have struggled since they acquired Kyrie Irving.

Voters like their MVPs to be on winning teams, and the Mavs aren’t one right now. They are seventh in the Western Conference with a 33-32 record.

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King of triple-doubles

Sports Brief recently reported on Jokic being a triple-double machine.

The Nuggets love it when Jokic stuffs the stat sheet as they are 25-0 when the two-time MVP records a triple double.

Jokic's strong play makes him the favorite to win another MVP award.