Believe it or not, we're coming up on the halfway mark of the 2024-25 NBA regular season, and a pretty clear cast of MVP candidates has emerged. The top three guys, in some order, are pretty universal right now,

The MVP award will likely come down to Nikola Jokic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for a second straight season. In this sequel though, the good guy might finally win after coming short the last two years.

Paolo Banchero, Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis all attempt more free throws per game. All are listed as forwards or centers, among the most difficult physical specimens in the league.