The 2020-21 NBA MVP race could be shrinking in part because of injuries to LeBron James and Joel Embiid in recent weeks. Two names, in particular, could be emerging as the frontrunners in the final 20-plus games of the regular season.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been playing some incredible basketball all season. Nets guard James Harden has elevated his play since coming to Brooklyn. Both were identified as the two best players in the league over the course of the past month.

Jokic and Harden were each named the Player of the Month for March in the Western and Eastern Conference, respectively. Jokic averaged 27.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, while Harden averaged 27.9 points, 11.9 assists, and 9.8 rebounds.

The two superstars are also the top betting favorites for the MVP. Jokic is a -130 favorite, per BetOnline.ag, and Harden comes in at +225. Embiid–who is expected to return this weekend–is next up with +850 odds. Those odds certainly suggest it is a two-horse race right now.

Both guys have a terrific claim to the NBA MVP award.

Jokic won Player of the Month in January and continues to transcend the game as a center with unparalleled court vision in addition to being a three-level who can dominate on the block.

“The Beard” has now captured back-to-back Player of the Month honors. He has taken up the mantle as Brooklyn's top offensive playmaker, dominating all facets of the game even when Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have been sidelined with injuries.

It is certainly shaping up to be a fast and furious finish for the MVP award.