Stephen A. Smith explains why Victor Wembanyama can take the Spurs to the Western Conference finals this season. (1:48) Despite all the drama surrounding NBA star injuries and availability this season, it hasn't changed the top of the Most Valuable Player race. For now. In ESPN's second MVP straw poll of the 2025-26 season -- a current snapshot of the race using a panel of 100 local, national and international media members surveyed this week -- Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander increased his lead over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Gilgeous-Alexander claimed 78 first-place votes and was the only player named to all 100 ballots. The reigning MVP, who also secured 20 second-place and two third-place votes, is in the midst of another stellar season, averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 55.4% from the field for the Western Conference-leading Thunder. SGA's lead has grown despite the defending champions slipping since our first straw poll was released in mid-December.…