Wemby Favored in 2026 NBA MVP Odds as SGA Contends and Tatum Falls

Wembanyama remains the favorite

Wembanyama came close to an NBA title last season, reaching the Finals before the Spurs fell to the Knicks in five games. If healthy, he is expected to be in contention for a second straight Defensive Player of the Year award.

His shooting has struggled through three games: he is making 36.5% of his field-goal attempts and went 1-for-13 in the opening-night loss to Oklahoma City. He is still averaging 11 rebounds and four blocks per game, and his MVP odds have not changed. Only Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Giannis Antetokounmpo have won MVP and DPOY in the same season.

Gilgeous-Alexander seeks another award

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the season as a two-time reigning MVP. In 2024-25, he averaged 32.7 points on 51.9% shooting, and Oklahoma City had the league’s best record. The previous season, he averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting as the Thunder again finished with the best record.

His case is built around scoring and team success, and the article asks whether he can repeat that formula. The related 2026 NBA Cup item also lists the Thunder as favorites, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the MVP race.

Dončić makes a fast start

Despite his scoring achievements, Luka Dončić has never finished higher than third in MVP voting. That came in 2022-23, when he played for Dallas. Last season, he led the NBA with 33.5 points per game, alongside 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds.

Through three games this season, Dončić is averaging 34.3 points. He scored 52 against the Jazz on Sunday and finished two rebounds short of a triple-double. With LeBron James out of Los Angeles, the article raises the possibility of Dončić taking the Lakers to new heights.

Jokić and Edwards in contention

Nikola Jokić has won the MVP award three times. Over the last six years, he has either won it or finished second. Last season he became the first NBA player to lead the league in both rebounds, at 12.9 per game, and assists, at 10.7, while averaging a triple-double for a second straight season.

Tatum’s season follows injury

Jayson Tatum, like Dončić, is described as having his own franchise after Boston traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia this offseason. Tatum played 16 regular-season games and six playoff games last season after tearing his Achilles during the 2024-25 NBA playoffs.

The article gives no updated MVP odds for Tatum. It notes his limited appearances and recovery from the injury as context for his position in the race.