The race for the NBA's top individual honors is heating up, but for several superstars, the biggest opponent might be the calendar. The league's 65-game minimum for award eligibility is putting the spotlight on health and availability as the regular season winds down.

Stars like Cade Cunningham, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic have all missed time this year, making their final push to hit that magic number a key subplot. While the rule, part of the 2023 CBA, hasn't drastically altered the MVP race in previous seasons, it could have major consequences this year.

Detroit's Cade Cunningham, having a breakout season that vaulted him into the MVP conversation, finds himself in a particularly tight spot. His potential ineligibility for All-NBA honors has even drawn a strong rebuke from the NBPA, which called the situation "a clear indictment of the 65-game rule."

Meanwhile, other contenders are navigating their own paths. Anthony Edwards' chances were dashed by a late-season illness, while Luka Doncic's status involves a unique wrinkle—his team is reportedly filing a grievance over games missed for the birth of his child. On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic have returned from injuries and are on track to meet the threshold, keeping them firmly in the awards picture.

As the final games tick away, every appearance counts. The drama isn't just about who plays the best, but who plays enough. Stay tuned to see which stars cross the finish line and remain eligible for the league's highest accolades.