The NBA lacks a Playoffs MVP award, but predictions for the top candidates for 2026 include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and others, based on team performance expectations.
Key points
NBA lacks a Playoffs MVP award.
Top candidates for 2026 include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Team performance is crucial for MVP predictions.
ABA previously awarded a Playoffs MVP.
Individual and team factors influence rankings.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The NBA has MVP trophies for just about everything at this point: regular season, Finals, NBA Cup, Conference Finals, All-Star... The one award still missing from the collection is a Playoffs MVP, something the ABA actually handed out back in its day, by the way.
If such an honor existed today, these would be our Top 15 candidates to win it, with how deep each player's team is expected to go in the postseason factored heavily into the equation.
Apr 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) after scoring against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) after scoring against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
With the Thunder prohibitive favorites to repeat as champions and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander putting together one of the best guard campaigns (according to many metrics) in NBA history, this was an obvious choice.
The Canadian guard is coming off a playoff run that saw him earn Finals MVP and lead OKC to a championship, though his numbers did take a bit of a dip from the regular season, as SGA shot just 46.2 percent from the floor and 28.3 percent from three in the 2024-25 postseason, albeit while putting up 29.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals over 23 contests.
Q&A
Who are the top candidates for the NBA Playoffs MVP in 2026?
The top candidates include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and several others, based on their team's projected success.
Why is there no Playoffs MVP award in the NBA?
The NBA has various MVP awards, but a specific Playoffs MVP has not been established, unlike in the ABA.
How does team performance impact MVP predictions for the playoffs?
Team performance is a significant factor in MVP predictions, as deeper playoff runs enhance a player's chances of winning the award.
What factors are considered in ranking players for the 2026 NBA playoffs?
Factors include individual player performance, team depth, and expected postseason success.
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It'll be interesting to see if Gilgeous-Alexander can avoid a similar dip in efficiency this postseason. We expect him to, though, which would explain his place in this ranking.
Mar 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) passes the ball up the floor after a rebound during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) passes the ball up the floor after a rebound during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Unlike in their championship season (Denver's 2022-23 title run was statistically the fifth easiest in all NBA history, based on opponent win percentage), the Nuggets have a very tough path ahead of them in the playoffs if they are going to win a title this year. Denver is set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, and if it were to pass that huge test, it would then potentially have to face the San Antonio Spurs and Thunder to make the Finals.
Even so, the one thing going for Nikola Jokic is that he's an even more dominant player today than he was when Denver last won a title. This season, Jokic became the first player to lead the league in nightly rebounds and assists in the same campaign.
During Denver's last title run, Jokic put up a 30/13.5/9.5 stat line while shooting 54.8 percent from the floor and 46.1 percent from three. If he's able to repeat that, or perform even better, the Nuggets might be a dark-horse title contender.
Apr 1, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the hoop between Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) and center Omer Yurtseven (77) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Apr 1, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the hoop between Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) and center Omer Yurtseven (77) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama just put up a legitimate MVP-caliber campaign. And he did it without having been ridden too hard by San Antonio, as the French big man played just 1,866 minutes all season (29.2 per night). For comparison's sake, Gilgeous-Alexander played 2,259 minutes this season... and he was merely 45th league-wide in total minutes played in 2025-26.
So, although on one hand, Wembanyama will be fresh heading into the postseason, the other side of the coin is that there is now a legitimate question as to whether he can sustain several weeks in a row of heavy workload in a playoff environment.
If the answer is yes, the Spurs might have the second-best odds of winning a title this year, behind only the Thunder.
It'll also be interesting to see how Wembanyama's game acclimates to the playoffs. Defenders are allowed to be rougher in postseason settings, which could make it more difficult for the 7-footer to get to his spots on offense and get off good looks. Defensively, he should dominate as usual, likewise, with his finishing around the rim. But his perimeter game on offense could suffer a bit in the playoffs, as defenders won't let him craftily dribble and get to where he wants to go in the midrange to get off shots.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Recovering from a scary issue with a collapsed lung, Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has played in just three games since mid-March. And he hasn't quite looked like himself to this point, as the former Oklahoma State standout averaged just 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 10.3 assists on 44.4 percent shooting in his final three games of 2025-26.
That obviously is hugely concerning if you are a Detroit fan, as the Pistons will likely only go as far as Cunningham, the team's best offensive option by a mile, can take them.
Luckily for Detroit, the team will face either an inexperienced Charlotte Hornets team in the first round or a fractured Orlando Magic squad, both of whom will have played two high-intensity games prior to even getting to the first-round matchup against the Pistons.
That should give Cunningham time to round into his All-NBA form and look more like himself for what will undoubtedly be a tougher second-round matchup.
Mar 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) walks on the court during a break in the action against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) walks on the court during a break in the action against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Some NBA stars are playoff risers, and others are playoff droppers. 24-year-old Anthony Edwards very clearly falls into the former category. A player who's not afraid of the bright lights, Edwards has averaged 27.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.4 steals on 47.0 percent shooting in the last three postseasons. In that stretch, he's led the Minnesota Timberwolves to two Western Conference Finals appearances, too, so Edwards and Co. will be a group to watch closely.
Making Minnesota's upcoming postseason doubly interesting is the fact that the team was a bit of a disappointment in the regular season, going 49-33 and finishing just sixth in the West. Even then, it will surprise absolutely nobody if Edwards goes scorched Earth like he did in the 2024 playoffs, and looks once again like he belongs in the best player in NBA conversation.
What's more, although the Wolves were meh this season, Edwards very much wasn't, as he put up career-high marks across the board, prompting us to place him No. 2 overall in a future ranking of NBA players. That's all to say, we're excited to see what Playoff Ant has in store over the coming weeks and months.
Apr 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Apr 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been battling the argument that small players can't lead a team to great heights. And he's done an impressive job of that thus far, turning the Knicks into an impressive regular-season team, one that has enjoyed three straight 50-plus-win seasons, as well as multiple playoff series victories over that same stretch.
If the Knicks win the title this season, they'd be the first NBA franchise to win an NBA championship and an NBA Cup championship. Although the latter trophy isn't all that respected in today's day and age, one day, that may be seen as a meaningful accomplishment.
Brunson has been a great playoff performer thus far in his career, averaging 29.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists on 45.8 percent shooting over New York's last three playoff appearances, a 42-game sample size. The former Villanova standout is an elite tough-shot-maker, a hugely important skill in the postseason where being able to get off good looks becomes so much more valuable.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics warms up before playing the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics warms up before playing the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The advanced stats outside of Global Rating may not love him (he was merely 21st in BPM and VORP despite the season he just had), but the eye test very clearly tells us Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is one of the game's finest two-way players, one who has enjoyed loads of playoff success.
Not only does Brown already have a Finals MVP under his belt, we recently found out that the 29-year-old ranks third all-time in average playoff wins per season among All-Stars, trailing only a teammate of his and arguably the greatest point guard ever:
That, coupled with the fact that Brown just had the best regular season of his career, has us keeping an eye on Boston as the team to potentially come out of the East this season.
Mar 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Mar 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
A consistent playoff riser, Cleveland Cavaliers 2-guard Donovan Mitchell enters the 2025-26 postseason with some excitement surrounding him, as the team's mid-season acquisition, James Harden, proved a fantastic fit alongside the former Louisville standout.
With Harden, the Cavaliers boasted a 19-7 record this season, as the bearded star's playmaking and availability provided the team with a huge boost. Add that to Mitchell's usual level in the playoffs, and Cleveland could be quite the tough out this postseason. Mitchell's career 28.3 points per game is the seventh-highest mark in league history, and his 57-point outburst back in the Utah Jazz's Game 1 of the 2017 playoffs remains the third-highest postseason scoring performance ever.
All in all, Mitchell's explosiveness and ability to hit tough shots make him a high-level playoff performer, one who we expect big things out of this postseason.
Mar 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Mar 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
A player underrated for his ability to step things up in the playoffs, Denver's Jamal Murray is coming off the best regular season of his career by far, not only earning All-Star honors for the first time, but also ranking Top 5 in our Global Rating metric, as well as Top 20 league-wide in both VORP and BPM.
As we keep harping on, the ability to hit difficult shots is arguably the most important skill a star player needs in the postseason, and Murray owns that skill to a high degree. His ability to use crafty dribbling, quick bursts and stop-on-a-dime knock-down pull-up shooting makes him quite difficult to defend, and has translated well to the playoffs thus far in his career.
With Jokic playing at the level he is and Murray playing the best basketball of his career, as well as with the Nuggets nearly at full health, people may be sleeping on the team's ability to make a run this postseason.
Mar 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Although the Houston Rockets were somewhat inconsistent last season, that was no fault of former league MVP Kevin Durant, who achieved All-Star honors and will garner a whole lot of All-NBA love when it's time for the votes to come in. Durant ranked Top 4 this season in our Global Rating metric, as well as Top 11 in both VORP and BPM, an extremely impressive feat at 37 years old.
On the other hand, the Rockets brought Durant in to help bolster the team's championship aspirations, and though he's played at a very high level this season, the team as a whole appears to be on the second tier of title contenders this postseason, trailing the likes of Oklahoma City, Denver and San Antonio.
Historically, though, Durant has stepped his game up even further in the playoffs, so perhaps we shouldn't sleep too hard on the Rockets' chances of making an unexpected run this postseason. The Slim Reaper's 29.3-point playoff scoring average is the No. 4 mark ever.
Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) reaches in front of Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) for a rebound in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) reaches in front of Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) for a rebound in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
If Wembaynama's postseason run unexpectedly ends in the second round, our money is on OKC big man Chet Holmgren being the unofficial Defensive Player of the Playoffs, as the former Gonzaga Bulldog is one of the most impactful point-preventers in the NBA today.
Holmgren ranked third in blocks per game this season and anchored a Thunder defense that had the best defensive rating in the league as a whole, allowing just 106.5 points per 100 possessions. Holmgren's length and quickness laterally make him a force as a rim-protector, and that same lateral movement ability allows him to not get exposed when asked to switch onto opposing ball-handlers.
Considering Holmgren already boasts championship experience, we expect a big postseason out of the 23-year-old.
12. Jayson Tatum (Boston)
Mar 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) has a laugh with guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Mar 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) has a laugh with guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
It's amazing that Boston's Jayson Tatum even qualifies for this list after his last postseason ended with a brutal Achilles tear. Tatum was impressive in his return this regular season, too, averaging a double-double to go with five assists, even if his shooting numbers clearly showed his rust.
Tatum has loads of playoff experience heading into this postseason, with 121 playoff games under his belt already at just 28 years old. He's a high-level postseason performer, too, one who put up loads of points early on in his career postseason experience.
Among players with seven years of experience in the NBA, Tatum ranks first all-time in playoff points scored.
It'll be important to see if the former Duke standout can get his shooting accuracy locked in over the coming weeks. If he is able to start shooting and finishing like his pre-injury self, we might be underrating him with his place in this ranking.
Feb 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Another player we could be underrating a bit, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, had a fantastic, albeit brief, playoff run in 2023-24, putting up 29.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists on 40.0 percent shooting from three over six games. Maxey and the Sixers then missed the playoffs last year, before they make their return now, in 2025-26.
Whether the Sixers can make a playoff run will largely depend on how star big man Joel Embiid recovers from his appendectomy. But even in Philadelphia's Play-In win over the Orlando Magic, Maxey proved he's a postseason performer, as the former Kentucky ball-handler scored 31 points and dished out six assists to lead his team to the playoffs.
We expect the electric, tough-shot-making Maxey to put up impressive marks in the 2025-26 postseason. We're just not sure how long he and the Sixers will be in the playoffs, hence, his place in this ranking.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 06: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the first half in a preseason game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 06, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 06: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the first half in a preseason game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 06, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
One of this season's breakout stars, Atlanta Hawks point-forward Jalen Johnson, developed into a do-everything swingman who can score, rebound and create, as well as defend multiple positions on the less glamorous end of the floor. This season, Johnson became one of five players in league history to put up a 22/10/7 stat line for a campaign, joining the likes of Jokic, Wilt Chamberlain, Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson on the list.
Solid company for Johnson, there.
Do we think Atlanta, led by Johnson, is going to make a deep playoff run this season? Not necessarily. But he was still an All-NBA-level performer this campaign, and as such, he earned his spot in this ranking.
Apr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Maybe the strongest defensive guard in the playoffs, outside of anyone on the Thunder, San Antonio's Stephon Castle is a solid slashing guard who can hit pull-up midrange jumpers, but who struggles with his outside shooting, which did give us some pause as far as projecting how he'll do in his first taste of the NBA postseason.
But he's got a strong, although equally inexperienced, lineup around him, so that should help take some of the burden off his shoulders.
Castle possesses the requisite toughness and mentality to perform well in the playoffs. He also has experience in high-pressure basketball games from his time at UConn, where, as a freshman, he helped lead the Huskies to a national championship before he declared for the NBA Draft, so we think we could see him have a breakout first NBA postseason.
