Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

Our Mid-Season NBA Award Picks

Jan 14, 2026

Join Matt Moore, a Senior NBA writer, and expert on deep league analysis, as he dishes on the midseason award frontrunners! The crew makes a strong case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as MVP and debates Nikola Jokic's historic offensive prowess. They discuss contenders like Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Anthony Edwards. Defensive powerhouse Rudy Gobert is in the spotlight for DPOY, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. shines as a top Sixth Man. Plus, don't miss the bold predictions for the NBA Finals!

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INSIGHT

SGA Leads MVP Race

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear midseason MVP leader due to availability and impact.
Nikola Jokic ranks behind him only because of potential games missed and historic offensive stretch.

INSIGHT

Jokic's Historic Offensive Run

Nikola Jokic's two-year offensive stretch may be among the best ever.
If Jokic qualifies with enough games, he must be considered ahead of most peers.

INSIGHT

Availability Shapes MVP Ballots

Cade Cunningham is a top MVP candidate because of availability and leading the East's best team.
Voters must weigh availability versus peak impact when ranking candidates.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surges ahead in the NBA MVP race—can anyone catch the Oklahoma City Thunder star? Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore, and Haize break down the midseason awards, spotlighting Nikola Jokic's historic offensive stretch, Cade Cunningham's impact on the Detroit Pistons, and surprising cases for Tyrese Maxey and Anthony Edwards. The crew debates Rudy Gobert’s dominance for Defensive Player of the Year, Asar and Amen Thompson’s breakout defense, and why Jaime Jaquez Jr. may lead the Sixth Man race.

The conversation ramps up with Coach of the Year picks, Most Improved candidates like Keyonte George and Jalen Johnson, and the drama around Rookie of the Year. Plus, enjoy their bold revised NBA Finals predictions—including whether the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, or Detroit Pistons have the edge. Don’t miss this packed analysis of the 2023-24 NBA season’s biggest storylines, stars, and dark-horse contenders.

0:00 – Midseason NBA Awards Discussion

14:29 – Defensive Player, 6th Man, Rookie of the Year

26:28 – Most Improved & Finals Predictions

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