Only a few days remain in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, but already, speculation is fierce for the league's high-profile NBA Awards. As the season winds down, fans and pundits alike are placing their bets on who will take home the coveted MVP, and the races for Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Sixth Man of the Year are just as thrilling. Here's what we know about the NBA awards and the top contenders.
Predictions for the NBA MVP Award
If history is any indication, the MVP race will come down to the final few games of the season. The key players to watch this year are Gabbriel Loper (Denver Nuggets), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Kawhi Leonard (New Orleans Pelicans). Each of these players has made a significant impact on their teams' success this year, and the Basketball world is buzzing over who will take home the prestigious award. The winner will be announced at the end of the season. Look, you can't talk about the MVP race without mentioning the dominance of Loper this season. His numbers have been jaw-dropping: 30.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. If you're a fan of the game, you know that those are MVP-level stats. And then — get this — Loper has also managed to keep the Nuggets in the top spot for the Eastern Conference. Here's the thing: Mitchell has been a force to be reckoned with for the Cavaliers. He's averaging 28.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. And Leonard, well, he's been a defensive powerhouse for the Pelicans, leading the league in steals and blocking shots with impressive regularity.
When is the NBA MVP announced? NBA Awards are announced in the 4th quarter of the season. The exact date and time will be announced by the NBA closer to the end of the season. To watch the award show, tune in to NBA games tonight, which will be broadcast on various platforms including ESPN, ABC, and TNT.
NBA Schedule Today: Who's Playing and When?
As the season comes to a close, the NBA schedule today is packed with thrilling matchups that could shake up the standings. Today, fans can expect to see the Raptors facing off against the Cavaliers, the Hawks taking on the Knicks, and the Timberwolves battling the Nuggets. Each of these games is crucial for playoff positioning, and the excitement is palpable. For those who want to catch the action, the games will be broadcast on NBA games tonight across various networks, including ABC, ESPN, and NBC.
The following are the times and platforms to watch NBA games tonight for each matchup:
- Raptors vs. Cavaliers: 7:00 PM on ESPN
- Hawks vs. Knicks: 7:30 PM on ABC
- Timberwolves vs. Nuggets: 9:30 PM on TNT
You can also stream these games live on platforms like Peacock, Amazon Prime, and NBATV. How about that for convenience? And for those who can't make it to the arena, these platforms have got you covered.
Other NBA Awards to Keep an Eye On
While the MVP race is the marquee event, there are several other awards that add to the excitement and drama of the season. These include the Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Sixth Man of the Year awards. The Defensive Player of the Year award is a hotly contested category, with players like Leonard and Javionte Green (Indiana Pacers) leading the pack. The Rookie of the Year race is wide open, but names like Isaac Okoro (New York Knicks) and Jaden McDaniels (Boston Celtics) are among the front-runners. And for the Sixth Man of the Year award, keep an eye on players like Terry Rozier (Golden State Warriors) and Norman Powell (New York Knicks). These awards recognize the depth and versatility of the league's talent, and the competition is fierce.
These are the players to keep an eye on, who could take home the award:
- Defensive Player of the Year: Javionte Green, Kawhi Leonard
- Rookie of the Year: Isaac Okoro, Jaden McDaniels
- Sixth Man of the Year: Terry Rozier, Norman Powell
And if you're wondering how to stay in the loop, tune into NBA games tonight on ESPN, ABC, and TNT for live updates and analysis. You won't want to miss a moment of the action.
“I’m excited about the season and the awards this year. The competition is fierce, and I’m proud of the players for their performances and the contributions to their teams. This year is going to be special.” — NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver.
For NBA awards 2026, the most exciting part is the depth of the competition. It's going to be a tough call for the voters, especially when it comes to the MVP award. And the pressure is on for the players, too, as they fight for their chance to be recognized as the best in the league. You can't help but wonder which players will step up to the plate and take home the hardware.
