Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ranks 4th in Initial MVP Race Amid Thunder Injury Crisis

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks fourth in the initial NBA MVP rankings after averaging 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists through five games for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His pursuit of a third consecutive MVP award faces added difficulty due to a massive rash of injuries to key teammates, including Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, and Alex Caruso. The extra defensive attention could complicate his scoring, but maintaining his output shorthanded will strengthen his case.