What happened: Blazers coach Micah Nori named Luka Doncic the MVP "right now. Hands down." ahead of Portland's game against the Lakers. He framed Doncic's situation as "a perfect offensive storm.

Why it matters: Nori's praise follows his earlier comparison, when he called Doncic "the Jokic of smalls/wings". An opposing coach making the MVP case this early adds to a conversation Doncic's production is already driving.

What to watch: Lakers coach JJ Redick has said he will hold MVP talk until the 50-game mark.