Nikola Jokić Leads NBA MVP Race over Gilgeous-Alexander in Updated ESPN Straw Poll

Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokić is well on his way to winning his third MVP award, and he leads the way in ESPN's latest NBA MVP straw poll.

Jokić topped the likes of Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid was long considered a top candidate for the MVP award, but he remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery and it's unclear when he might return.

Embiid has already been ruled out of the running for the MVP honor as he won't hit the 65-game minimum to qualify for the award.

Here's a look at the results of ESPN's latest MVP straw poll:

1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

2. Shai Gilegous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

4. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks

5. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

6. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

7. Jaylen Brunson, New York Knicks

8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

9. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

10. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

T11. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

T11. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Had Embiid remained healthy, it's possible he would be the frontrunner for the MVP award.

The 29-year-old, who won the MVP last season, was putting together a career year before hitting the shelf, averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks in 34 games while shooting 53.3 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from deep.

With Embiid out of the running, Jokić is the clear frontrunner for the MVP as he again has the Nuggets in contention for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Denver sits just 1.5 games back of first place with a 36-18 record.

Jokić is averaging 26.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 52 games while shooting 58.2 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from deep.

The two-time MVP would join Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone with three MVP awards if he wins the honor this year.

It's hard to imagine Gilgeous-Alexander leapfrogging Jokić for the honor, but he's still having an incredible season for the Thunder, which sit second in the Western Conference with a 36-17 record.

The 25-year-old is averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 52 games while shooting 54.8 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from deep. It marks his second straight season averaging at least 31 points.

Antetokounmpo, who is also a two-time MVP, remains in the conversation amid another 30-plus point per game season, but the Bucks have struggled on defense this year despite sitting third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-19 record.

The 29-year-old is averaging 30.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 52 games while shooting 61.1 percent from the floor and 25.0 percent from deep.

There's still plenty of season left for each player to make his MVP case, but trying to take down Jokić could be a tough ask.