Victor Wembanyama is widely projected to be an MVP candidate later on in his NBA career. But he might be expediting the process, as he became one of the favorites to win this year’s award based solely on his outstanding performance in the season opener for the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama Puts NBA On Notice With Opening Night Performance
The season tipped off for the Spurs on Wednesday night in front of a national audience. The matchup against the Dallas Mavericks was presented on ESPN, and featured the debut of first overall pick Cooper Flagg. It was Wembanyama who stole the show, however.
In just 30 minutes of playing time, the now third-year pro racked up 40 points on 15 of 21 shooting (71.4%). He filled the rest of the stat sheet, too, as he added 15 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a steal. There was a stat category where he posted a 0, but that was in the turnover department.
With the outstanding and efficient performance, Wembanyama become the 4th NBA player since 1977-78 to record 40 points and 15 rebounds without a turnover in 30 minutes or less.
Wemby Joins SGA, Jokic As MVP Favorites
The sportsbooks have taken immediate notice. Victor Wembanyama entered the 2025-26 season with respectable +1200 MVP odds, but wasn’t amongst the favorites that include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić. After just one game, however, the 21-year-old has seen his betting designation drop all the way to +300, which ties him with Jokic and just a shade behind SGA on the odds board.
Luka Dončić (+400) is the only other player listed with a designation of lower than +1000.
Victor Wembanyama now has the 2nd highest MVP odds 😳
(@steaakfriend @FDSportsbook) pic.twitter.com/rovTaHowFc
— br_betting (@br_betting) October 23, 2025
The MVP conversation of course demands more than highlights and hype. It asks for winning, consistency, and impact — areas where Wembanyama continues to make rapid strides. Whether or not this is the year his name is etched on the trophy, the foundation of an MVP-caliber career is already in place.
If Victor Wembanyama continues on his current trajectory, the 2025–26 MVP race might not just include him; it could revolve around him.
