The NBA’s rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 regular-season contests to qualify for major awards is creating fresh uncertainty in the Most Valuable Player chase as the league enters the final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign.
Adopted as part of the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, the guideline applies to MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and all All-NBA teams. With roughly six weeks remaining in the regular season, several high-profile candidates sit just above—or uncomfortably close to—the minimum, forcing coaches to balance rest, injury management and award aspirations.
Sportsbooks have responded by tightening or suspending MVP odds anytime a contender’s availability becomes questionable. Betting houses note that a single night off could now carry greater financial significance, because a player nearing the cut-off risks instant disqualification from ballots.
League officials have said the 65-game bar was introduced to address concerns about load management and to ensure that year-end honors reflect sustained participation. Critics argue the policy may have the opposite effect, with stars potentially pushing through minor injuries to preserve eligibility.
Team medical staffs are likewise recalibrating timetables. While playoff positioning remains the foremost priority, front offices acknowledge that individual hardware can affect contract incentives and future negotiations, adding another layer to late-season roster decisions.
The NBA regular season is scheduled to conclude on April 15. Between now and then, every game missed by a leading candidate will be scrutinized—both in locker rooms and on betting boards—as the new rule continues to reshape the league’s awards calculus.
Source: New York Post
