WHOSE TROPHY IS IT?

Handicapping the MVP race

JAMES HARDEN

GUARD

ROCKETS

Bidding to lead the NBA in scoring and assists; only Nate Archibald (1972--73) has done that. His efficiency is decent, and Houston is overachieving. Odds: even.

RUSSELL WESTBROOK

GUARD

THUNDER

Will voters choose to ignore Oklahoma City's so-so record if Westbrook joins Oscar Robertson as the only players to average a triple double? Odds: 2 to 1

KEVIN DURANT

FORWARD

WARRIORS

The best player on the best team always has a chance—and it will get better if Golden State can maintain its 70-win pace. Odds: 15 to 1

THE FIELD

Top sleepers: LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Odds: 25 to 1