The NBA's regular season is nearing its conclusion, with the MVP race heating up between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). Gilgeous-Alexander, leading the league in scoring and guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the West, is being touted as a frontrunner alongside Jokic, a three-time MVP. With no clear choice for MVP, the debate over who deserves the award more intensifies.

The Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race is wide open too, especially after Victor Wembanyama's injury. Luguentz Dort of the Thunder is emerging as a candidate, although Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr. also have strong cases. In the context of Most Improved Player, Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley are top contenders, showcasing impressive growth this season. However, the Sixth Man of the Year category seems less promising for future All-Stars, with Payton Pritchard leading the pack. As the playoffs approach, these awards add an intriguing layer to the competitive landscape of the NBA.