• Get NBA League Pass TODAY
• BUY NOW: Emirates NBA Cup Tickets (Semi-Finals and Finals)

The taste here at the Kia Race to the MVP is different this weekend. It’s all about what’s wrong with the cup?

Two of the top five players in the MVP rankings are in Las Vegas for the semi-finals of the Emirates NBA Cup.

So the tournament site will serve as an MVP checkpoint for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder punch their ticket to the Cup Final Four. If these players win their games on Saturday and meet in the championship on Tuesday, the chants of “MVP” will ring loudly… and for good reason.

Both have had solid seasons so far, peppered with MVP-like performances in several games and consistent performances in others. Gilgeous-Alexander had OKC near or at the top of the West for most of the season, while Antetokounmpo sparked a turnaround for the Bucks after their slow start.

To use a common Sin City phrase, the chances for both players to do well in the chase for Kia’s MVP are promising.

But right now? Here in December? They both stare up at the favorite.

This week we set the stage: Antetokounmpo faces the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday for the right to play for the Cup title (4:30 p.m. ET, TNT). Gilgeous-Alexander faces the Houston Rockets on the same day (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC). All eyes will be on these two players because with the Cup in the final days of play, the rest of the NBA will be taking the evening off and watching.

The stats you should know: Gilgeous-Alexander outscored Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving 39-33 in the Thunder’s 118-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks, earning a trip to Las Vegas (thanks to Lu Dort and Cason Wallace for their defensive help). the Dallas duo).

What they say: “He is a great goalscorer. Gets his teammates involved, but it’s often difficult to stop him. I think at some point you have to send two or three players. It’s great to play against a guy like that. The battles. It’s fun. He’s a great player.” — Dončić on Gilgeous-Alexander.

---

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Last ladder: #1
Season statistics: 32.3 ppg, 13.6 rpg, 10.2 apg

His case: Not only did he have a historic start to the season, his last two games were also legendary. On consecutive nights, he totaled 104 points, 30 rebounds and 16 assists. Oh, and don’t forget the total 74 minutes of gameplay played while flying from one city to another – there are no off nights here.

And that’s what you want in your MVP: someone who is both physical and productive. There’s nothing not to like about The Joker right now. Pole position for this award belongs to him as we head into the home stretch to Christmas. That is not up for debate.

---

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Last ladder: #2
Season statistics: 32.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 6 apg

His case: Antetokounmpo is an example of bucket efficiency and this season is shaping up to be one of his best. He is shooting 61.2% overall this season, which shows how devastating he is when running downhill and attacking the rim. The downside: When he gets fouled, his free throws are, let’s say, a little more difficult.

That and the recent increase in sales are the only blemishes. Otherwise, Antetokounmpo simply works on both ends.

---

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last ladder: No. 4
Season statistics: 30.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.3 apg

His case: He shined in the biggest (we use that word with caution before Christmas) game of the season as he fired up the Mavericks to punch OKC’s ticket to Las Vegas. And that’s what you look for in MVP candidates: Are they up to the challenge and the effort?

He has scored 30 points in eight of his last 10 games, and although he thrives on mid-range and free-throw line efforts, his five three-pointers against the Mavericks were the most three-pointers he has made this season.

---

4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last ladder: No. 3
Season statistics: 28.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 5.7 apg

His case: As deep as the Celtics are, Tatum is the team leader in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. He has always been an excellent rebounder for a small forward and his average is the best of his career.

He had two uncharacteristic scoring errors last week and failed to score 20 points twice in three games. But these occasional dips are to be expected over the course of a season and in no way reflect his consistently high performance – that’s why he’s in the top five on this list.

---

5. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Last ladder: No. 5
Season statistics: 24.9 ppg, 13.6 rpg, 3.2 apg

His case: Towns was extremely impressive during the Knicks’ recent win in Toronto and especially in the final period when he put the Raptors to sleep with a huge 3-pointer.

He’ll miss all the fun in Las Vegas, even though he’s just one rebound and one point away from 20-20 against the Hawks. Nonetheless, Towns, who is shooting 44% from distance, is making a case for not only an All-Star nomination, but also an All-NBA berth if it stays that way.

---

The next five:

6. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
7. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
9. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
10. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

And five more (ordered alphabetically): Jaylen Brown, Celtics; Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies; LeBron James, Lakers; Franz Wagner, magic; Alperen Sengun, rockets

* * *