NBA to Reveal 2026 Regular-Season Award Finalists Sunday on NBC
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The NBA will announce the finalists for seven major 2026 regular-season awards on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 6 p.m. ET on NBC, the league said on Twitter.
During the pre-game show preceding Game 1 of the first-round series between the Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons, viewers will learn the three finalists for:
- Clutch Player of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Most Improved Player
- Sixth Man of the Year
The remaining categories will be revealed at halftime of the same broadcast:
- Most Valuable Player
- Rookie of the Year
- Coach of the Year
The league traditionally lists three finalists for each award before announcing the winners later in the postseason. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is widely viewed as the front-runner to secure a second consecutive MVP trophy and is also considered the favorite for Clutch Player of the Year. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, expected to be among the MVP finalists, is regarded as the leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
Additional details, including the dates for the official award announcements, have not yet been released.
Source: Hoops Rumors
