Nikola Jokic and SGA set for Thursday night MVP matchup during NBA Opening Week

National broadcast tips off Oct. 22 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Catch Nikola Jokić vs. SGA in a duel of the last two Kia NBA MVPs next Thursday at 9:30pm/et on ESPN! Via @NBA on X

What happened: Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will meet next Thursday night in a nationally televised matchup of the league's last two Kia NBA Most Valuable Player winners. The broadcast is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN as part of the 2026-27 NBA Opening Week slate.

Why it matters: The early-season showcase pairs the two premier individual award winners in the Western Conference right at the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Jokic enters the new season 12 triple-doubles shy of the all-time NBA record, while Gilgeous-Alexander comes off consecutive MVP awards and the 2025-26 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year honor.

By the numbers: Jokic recorded a 22-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in three quarters during preseason play and sits 12 triple-doubles away from the NBA career record entering the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: The 2026-27 NBA regular season tips off on Oct. 20 ahead of Thursday night's 9:30 p.m. ET meeting between Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander.

Sources

@NBA 2026-10-17T18:15:21.551962+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

NBAPreviewNikola Jokic

Follow NBA Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportNBA

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →