Early MVP Favorites: Jokic, Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama

One month in, the MVP ladder is starting to firm: Luka Dončić leads the scoring race (34.4) while Nikola Jokić is again “turning up the heat,” Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander remains a top contender, Giannis is a one‑man video game, and Victor Wembanyama already towers as a defensive game‑changer. Availability and team context matter — Wemby’s calf strain and Giannis’s groin issue are obvious wildcards, and Dončić’s shaky 3‑point touch tempers his scoring surge. Merlin sees the season as a weather map: Jokić’s massive on‑off swing and Wemby’s deterrence are like storms that reshape the landscape, while SGA’s dominance is steadier because OKC is winning even without Jalen Williams. Durability and lineup fit will decide who truly cracks the inner circle — counting stats alone won’t be enough.