Wide-open title and MVP races: How the NBA has cracked open in just two weeks

A wave of early-season injuries and slow starts from top contenders has dramatically opened up the NBA championship and MVP races just two weeks into the 2026-27 campaign. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been hit hardest, losing Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Chet Holmgren to injuries. Meanwhile, the defending champion New York Knicks have stumbled to a 2-4 start, causing the combined title odds for preseason favorites to plummet.

ESPN reports that the MVP race has similarly destabilized as perennial leaders Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander post uncharacteristically low early efficiency ratings. While Victor Wembanyama stands as the current betting favorite, potential game-threshold limitations leave room for candidates like Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, or rookie Cooper Flagg to contend.