NBA MVP race 2019-20: Top 5 favorites for the award right now

We are already nearing Week 4 of the 2019-20 NBA season and there is plenty of talk among basketball fans as to who will be named this season's Most Valuable Player. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the current title-holder after winning the award back in June, and he will face plenty of competition to retain his title despite injuries to former winners Steph Curry and Kevin Durant.

The likes of Luka Doncic, Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler, and Karl-Anthony Towns have all impressed during the opening weeks of the season, although there is a top tier of contenders that will still be in the race come April. So, as we approach Week 4 of the season, here are the five favorites to be named MVP next June.

#5 James Harden

James Harden is averaging a career-high in points but his field goal percentage is down

Many experts believed that James Harden's numbers would take a dip following Russell Westbrook's arrival during the offseason, although the 30-year-old has started the new campaign averaging a career-high 36.5 points per game.

Harden is currently shooting just 26 percent from three-point range, while his field goal percentage has also fallen to a career-low. Despite this, Harden continues to get to the free-throw line with ease, and there is little doubt that his shot will return as the season progresses.

Combined with the fact that Houston will likely post one of the best records in the Western Conference, Harden will be in the MVP conversation once more. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the Rockets star failed to win the award last season despite putting up historic numbers, and Harden may need to take his game to even greater heights to secure a second MVP title.

#4 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid will be in contention to take home his first MVP award

With the majority of the NBA's top talent currently located in the West, the Eastern Conference provides Joel Embiid with the perfect platform to stand out. While the Sixers have lost back-to-back games, Embiid appears to be on the best roster in the East, and Philadelphia remain the favorites to advance to the Finals.

Embiid himself came back from the offseason in the best shape of his career, and he is also playing some of the best basketball of his career. He is currently averaging 24.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, and there is plenty more to come as he enters the prime of his career.

Embiid's importance to the Sixers was also highlighted during his two-game suspension, and with Ben Simmons failing to step up as a true second-star, Embiid will continue to stand out as the best player on the East's best team.

#3 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard has made an excellent start to life in Los Angeles

After years of injury issues, Kawhi Leonard is finally healthy and has made an excellent start to the season following his heroic efforts for the Toronto Raptors during the 2019 NBA Finals. Over the first three weeks of the season, Leonard has embraced a leadership role on the Clippers, and his improved playmaking skills have further elevated his status as arguably the NBA's best player.

While his shooting has taken a slight dip, Leonard is averaging career highs in points, assists, and rebounds, and the 28-year-old has also excelled on big nights - notably outdueling Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

Nevertheless, Leonard's chances of taking home a first regular-season MVP award will be impacted by the Clippers' decision to remove him from selection for back-to-back games, so this is something to keep on eye out for in the coming weeks.

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo will be hoping to retain his MVP crown

Giannis Antetokounmpo became one of the youngest MVP winners in history thanks to his performances for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, and many experts have tipped the 24-year-old as the leading contender to win the award again this year.

However, winning back-to-back MVP titles remains incredibly difficult, and after James Harden missed out last season, Antetokounmpo may have to better the 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists he managed during the 18-19 campaign.

That will be no easy task, as the Milwaukee Bucks also face increased competition in the East following a number of key offseason departures. Admittedly, Giannis has raised his game during the opening weeks of the season, with his improved ball-handling skills and three-point accuracy earning plenty of plaudits.

Ultimately, Antetokounmpo is firmly in the MVP picture, although he is not the runaway candidate that some believe he is.

#1 LeBron James

LeBron James has defied his doubters during the opening weeks of the season

LeBron James has won four MVP awards throughout his incredible career, although the consensus is that he should have won the award at least five or six times. James' incredibly high-standards have worked against him, although with the superstar quickly approaching 35, it is becoming more and more difficult to ignore his sustained level of performance.

At this stage of the season, James is averaging an impressive 26.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game - and his work on the defensive end has been reminiscent of his time with the Heat.

For the first time in three years, he also appears set to finish on a team that will post one of the best records in the NBA - something that goes a long way in deciding who wins the MVP award. Time is ticking for James to win a fifth MVP award, and the 2019-20 season is his best opportunity.