Building on CBS Sports' early All-NBA and All-Star projections, experts now reveal midseason picks for major 2025-26 NBA awards after 41 games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads MVP amid Nikola Jokić's injury, while Rudy Gobert edges Victor Wembanyama for DPOY. Tight races define Rookie of the Year and others.
Following our early All-NBA and All-Star projections after 20-plus games, the NBA's 2025-26 season has reached its midpoint. CBS Sports polled six experts on midseason award winners through 41 games, ignoring the end-of-season 65-game eligibility threshold. No pick was unanimous, reflecting the league's parity.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) tops MVP voting. A win at 27 would make him the 16th with multiple MVPs. Experts like Brad Botkin cited his edge over Jokić, who missed six games. Pre-injury, Jokić posted near-30-point triple-doubles on 60.6/43.5/85.3 splits, eyeing historic rebound/assist leads. Ricardo Gonzalez called him the world's best, but SGA's availability prevails.
DPOY debate centers on Victor Wembanyama's 14 missed games (36% of 39 played). Despite top stocks (3.7) and defensive ePM, most (e.g., Will Griffin, Colin Quinn) chose Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves) for reliability—no misses but suspension—high block rate, and anchoring a defense that craters without him. Brett Kalland picked Chet Holmgren (Thunder).
Rookie of the Year favors Dallas' Cooper Flagg over Duke's Kon Knueppel (Kneuppel). Flagg's all-around carry job for the Mavericks tops Knueppel's efficient shooting (per Maloney, Quinn; Robert Herbert lauded his Curry-like 3s).
Coach of the Year: Boston's Joe Mazzulla (third in East despite gap year) or San Antonio's Mitch Johnson (Spurs amid injuries). Sixth Man: Minnesota's Naz Reid (bench stability), San Antonio's Keldon Johnson (versatility), Miami's Jaime Jaquez Jr. (scoring/playmaking). Most Improved: Portland's Deni Avdija (All-Star-caliber lead guard in Play-In) or Utah's Keyonte George (16.8 to ~24 PPG).
These picks underscore a season of injuries and surprises, prioritizing availability and context.