As the NBA regular season draws to a close, the race for the leagues annual awards heats up, sparking debates, surprise performances, and expectations for the postseason. With standout players dominating the spotlight, some of the biggest awards up for grabs this year include MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year. Heres a look at some of the top contenders and potential surprises as we head into the final stretch of the season.
MVP: Jokic vs. Giannis The Battle for Supremacy
The 2025 MVP race is shaping up to be a battle of two titans: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Both superstars have been in exceptional form, continuing to defy the usual expectations of their respective roles.
Nikola Jokic, who is aiming for his third consecutive MVP title, has continued his stellar playmaking and scoring. Averaging close to a tripledouble, Jokic has kept the Nuggets at the top of the Western Conference despite injuries to key teammates. His unique combination of scoring, rebounding, and elite passing makes him an invaluable asset to the Nuggets, and many analysts believe he is the frontrunner as he pushes the team towards another strong playoff run.
However, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a force of nature in the East. His dominance in the paint, combined with his improved outside shooting, has kept the Bucks in contention for the top spot in the East. Giannis has carried the team on his back, especially in games where fellow stars like Khris Middleton have been sidelined. His defensive prowess and overall impact on both ends of the court make him a strong challenger to Jokics reign. The MVP race between these two looks too close to call, but Giannis raw physicality and ability to elevate his game in key moments could give him the edge.
Rookie of the Year: Wembanyama or Banchero?
Victor Wembanyama, the 75 French prodigy, has quickly made his mark in the NBA, and the Rookie of the Year award seems to be a twohorse race between him and last years winner, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic.
Wembanyamas impact has been immediate. With his ability to block shots, stretch the floor with his shooting, and handle the ball like a guard, the Spurs new centerpiece has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing players in the league. Averaging over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, Wembanyama is a force on both sides of the court. His presence in San Antonio has rejuvenated the franchise, and fans are already seeing the potential of what could be the NBAs next generational talent.
On the other hand, Paolo Banchero has continued to improve and build upon his impressive rookie campaign from last season. Banchero has become the focal point of the Orlando Magics offense, averaging nearly 22 points per game and leading the team in rebounds and assists. While Wembanyama has the hype, Bancheros consistent growth and leadership on a young Magic squad might earn him some votes in this tight race.
Defensive Player of the Year: The Return of Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Defensive Player of the Year DPOY award race has been intriguing, with some familiar names and emerging players vying for the prestigious honor. Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies appears to be in the drivers seat this season.
Jackson, who led the league in blocks last season, has been a defensive juggernaut in 2025, anchoring the Grizzlies toprated defense. His ability to protect the rim, along with his versatility to guard multiple positions, has earned him widespread praise. Jacksons advanced stats, including his defensive win shares and block percentage, make him one of the most dominant defenders in the league.
However, he faces strong competition from a couple of other defensive stalwarts. Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks has been a key part of Milwaukees defensive system and could be a dark horse to steal the award. Lopez, known for his shotblocking and rim protection, has had a career resurgence in his second stint with the Bucks, helping them maintain a top defensive rating in the league.
Another name to consider is Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley. Mobley has shown elite defensive instincts, with a combination of length, agility, and positioning that makes him a menace in the paint. His advanced metrics show him as one of the best overall defenders, and he could sneak up on voters if the Cavaliers finish with a strong defensive record.
Coach of the Year: Mike Malone vs. Joe Mazzulla
The race for Coach of the Year COY is always one of the most unpredictable, with coaching performance being judged on both team success and the ability to develop talent. Two names at the forefront of the COY conversation are Mike Malone of the Denver Nuggets and Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics.
Mike Malone has been instrumental in leading the Nuggets to another fantastic regular season. His ability to maximize the talents of Jokic and maintain a strong, balanced team despite injuries to other key players has solidified his case. Denvers consistent play and their position atop the Western Conference are a testament to Malones leadership and tactical acumen.
On the other hand, Joe Mazzulla has continued to prove his worth in his second season as head coach of the Boston Celtics. Under Mazzullas guidance, the Celtics have maintained their position as one of the top teams in the East. His ability to manage the egos of star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown while implementing a successful defensive system has earned him significant praise. If the Celtics finish with the best record in the league, Mazzulla could very well claim the COY honors.
Conclusion: A Season Full of Surprises
As the regular season winds down, the NBA awards race is filled with fierce competition and a host of standout performances. Whether its Jokics pursuit of a third MVP, Wembanyamas meteoric rise, or the defensive dominance of Jaren Jackson Jr., this years awards are sure to be hotly debated. With only a few weeks left before the postseason begins, these awards are still very much up for grabs, and anything can happen as players continue to push their limits. The next few games will be crucial in shaping the final narrative of the 2025 NBA regular season awards.