Last week: N/A

Booker has no virtual chance of winning this year’s MVP, but it’s still worth highlighting his seemingly effortless smooth scoring. Since returning from an ankle injury, the Suns guard/defacto point guard is averaging 23.5 points, just under eight assists, and just under five assists. He remains one of the game’s greats when he’s dialed in. 

Last week: 10

Edwards has been absolutely phenomenal while buoying the Timberwolves without Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s serving as Minnesota’s main offensive initiator without a real running mate and hasn’t missed a beat. 

Last week: 9

The Lakers have hit somewhat of a wall lately, going just 2-3 in their last five games. Still, for now, they remain a part of the play-in. That is a testament to James’ greatness during this late stage of the season. 

Last week: 7

The Kings went 2-1 last week, which isn’t necessarily groundbreaking but is important for them to solidify themselves in the West playoffs. Sabonis’ continued triple-double/triple-double adjacent performances are pivotal in that effort. 

Last week: 6

Durant looked his age (35) in two poor shooting efforts against the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets. That said, expecting this all-time prolific scorer to stay down for long would be foolish. 

Last week: 5

The Celtics picked up where they left off after the All-Star break, solidifying themselves both at the top of the Eastern Conference and at the top of the NBA standings. Last week was particularly productive, with convincing wins over the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Suns. Tatum continues to pace a well-oiled machine of a squad that never takes a night off. 

Last week: 4

Doncic’s odds of winning MVP remain very long, but that shouldn’t overshadow his individual brilliance. The NBA’s leading scorer is averaging 34.3 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists with a 62.2 true shooting percentage. That is an absurd level of offensive proficiency and efficiency that it boggles the mind.

Last week: 3

The Bucks are still the NBA’s best analog to Jekyll & Hyde, but they haven’t stopped their winning ways. Last week was particularly productive at 3-1, with Antetokounmpo chipping three near-30-point double-doubles in the games he played.

Last week: 2

The West-leading, ever-consistent Thunder continue to steam ahead, and it’s all thanks to the ever-consistent Gilgeous-Alexander. While he’s starting to lose a little luster scoring-wise, Gilgeous-Alexander has just three efforts below 30 points in his last 10 games.

Last week: 1

Jokic’s MVP-leading resume remains ironclad because of one crucial thing: Almost no one is as important to his team winning. With Jokic off the floor this season, the Nuggets have a -8 net rating. It is by far the worst of any player on a contending team. Furthermore, in Denver’s only two losses since the All Star break, he shot a combined 14-of-34. It is really that simple. If Jokic plays well to his usual high standards, the Nuggets, indeed, probably beat everyone.