Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic risk NBA MVP ineligibility over game limits
NBA MVP favourites Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are facing the risk of ineligibility for the award as both stars edge closer to the league’s missed-games threshold.
The race for the regular-season honour has tightened significantly in recent weeks due to the uncertainty surrounding the availability of the leading contenders.
Under current NBA regulations, players are prohibited from qualifying for major postseason awards if they miss more than 17 games during the campaign.
Fitness struggles impacting odds
Gilgeous-Alexander remains the consensus betting favourite but was ruled out of Wednesday’s fixture against the Detroit Pistons.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is recovering from an abdominal strain that has kept him sidelined since early February.
Having now missed 11 games, the Canadian international must appear in at least 16 of Oklahoma City’s final 22 matches to remain eligible for a second consecutive MVP title.
The situation is even more precarious for Nikola Jokic.
Denver’s Serbian centre has already missed 16 games this season.
Should the former MVP sit out just two more contests, he will be mathematically eliminated from contention regardless of his statistical dominance.
Market shifts towards Cunningham
The potential disqualification of the frontrunners has driven significant betting interest toward Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham.
Over the last week, Cunningham has attracted more MVP bets at major sportsbooks than all other players combined.
His odds have shortened dramatically, moving from 14-1 to 9-2 as punters look for viable alternatives to the questionable favourites.
San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama is also hovering near the danger zone.
The French prodigy has missed 14 games and faces a tight schedule to meet the league’s mandatory participation criteria.
Despite the eligibility concerns, a recent straw poll conducted by ESPN indicated that Gilgeous-Alexander remains the clear choice among media voters, provided he meets the threshold.