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The NBA is just beyond the halfway point of the regular season, meaning there are still roughly three months to declare a winner in the Kia Race to the MVP.

But it’s not too early to get a sense that this race is getting too close … among the top two.

Perhaps at some point, another player on the ladder will embark on an epic stretch to provide suspense. There’s time for that. The problem is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić are just as capable of doing that, too.

Here in late January, they’re running side by side and neck to neck, both enjoying seasons that are starting to distance them from the pack.

This week, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a career-high 54 points, then followed up the next night with 31. Jokić had four straight games where he dropped 20-piece triple-doubles … without playing the fourth quarters of those games. Then, he went 35-22-17 on Thursday in the first 35-20-15 game since Wilt Chamberlain.

After all that, here we are: in an almost dead heat during winter as Gilgeous-Alexander holds the top spot for now. But the Nuggets are winning regularly, which only works in “The Joker’s” favor as the season progresses.

Setting this stage this week: With Joel Embiid’s physical condition so unpredictable and costing him and the Sixers dearly this season, there’s a new big man crowned in the conference. Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks host Jokić and the Nuggets on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) in a premier East vs. West pivot matchup.

The stat to know: Jokić is NBA top-five in points, rebounds, assists, 3-point percentage, double-doubles and triple-doubles.

What they are saying: “Joker, as the president of the Big Man Alliance, I made this for you, and I’m going to ship it to you. FedEx, it’s you, baby, because you’re the champion, the big daddy of Big Man, and the best Big Man in the league by far. I appreciate you.” — Shaquille O’Neal, before presenting a “championship belt” to Jokić.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 32 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists.

His case: Gilgeous-Alexander has assumed the NBA scoring lead while continuing to produce defensively. He’s No. 2 in the league in steals (2 spg) for what is one of the most improved defensive teams this season.

As the season grows, the win total for the Thunder factors into his place atop the ladder. This should only grow once Chet Holmgren returns to the lineup.

2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, 10.1 assists.

His case: Jokić is delivering feats almost on a nightly basis now, like his almost full-court heave-and-swish Thursday. As for the triple-doubles, it has almost become expected of him at this point — which is truly the highest praise.

Best of all for him, the Nuggets have returned to winning. His chances of leapfrogging Gilgeous-Alexander could very well rest with how many wins Denver gains on OKC — assuming OKC remains No. 1 in the West all season.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 31.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists.

His case: If anyone pierces the leaders, it’ll likely be Antetokounmpo. He remains a force at both ends for the Bucks, who are steadily cementing themselves as a top-four team in the Eastern Conference after a rough start to 2024-25.

Antetokounmpo has notched double-figure rebounds in 15 straight games and was last held under 10 rebounds on Dec. 12.

4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last week’s ranking: No. 6
Season stats: 27.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists.

His case: The Celtics have cooled since their nights in November and so has, to an extent, Tatum. This isn’t to say Tatum doesn’t deserve to be in the top five.

He remains the best player on one of the best teams in the NBA and on most nights the best player on the floor regardless of whom the Celtics are playing.

5. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists.

His case: Towns was instrumental in the recent battle of Gotham when he dropped 25 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a pair of swats against Brooklyn.

As mentioned earlier, he’ll get his first real test of the season on Wednesday when he meets Jokić in a crucial East vs. West big-man showdown.

The Next 5:

6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
7. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
8. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
9. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
10. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers; De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks