Cunningham is making his MVP case in a major way. He averaged 29 points and 13 assists in a win over the West-leading Thunder and scored 42 in a victory against the Knicks. His ability to impact both ends and nearly hit a triple-double against the Bulls has propelled him into the top three.

Nikola Jokić is playing at an MVP level, but his campaign for the award could be in jeopardy depending on his health.

The Pistons beat the Thunder 124-116 in the first half of our national TV doubleheader, as Cade Cunningham (29 pts, 13 ast) and Jalen Duren (29 pts, 15 reb) outlasted Jaylin Williams (30 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast). The Nuggets defeated the Celtics 103-84, running away in the second half to defend home court in the nightcap.

Nikola Jokić sat down with Malika Andrews over the All-Star break to talk about how he really does like playing basketball. The three-time MVP was under scrutiny during All-Star weekend with Kevin Durant specifically calling out Jokić and Luka Dončić for how they don't treat the game seriously.

Follow along with this Thunder vs Nuggets prediction to see the latest odds and get the best picks and bets for Friday's crucial Western Conference matchup.

Changes mark the lower rungs of the Top 5 in the Kia MVP chase, which may be decided by a trio of Nuggets-Thunder games.

It stinks that Nikola Jokić doesn't care about the All-Star Game. But no one will ever change his mind.

MVP or All-NBA "by default" doesn't feel like the best way to celebrate elite players in the league. But we'll see what happens.