At the start of this NBA season, nothing was for certain -- we could only guess which teams would be playoff competitors. Then, as games and weeks have gone by, we've started to notice some trends. Now, those trends give way to things we know: The Warriors are the best team in the league, the Hawks are the best team in the East, the Cavs are getting better, and the Knicks, Sixers and Lakers are all really bad.

The same can be said for players. We now know clutch, that getting back to his old form, and that worth the money (and not trading for Kevin Love).

And, of course, we know that its latest installment. And why not? He's been having a great season. But, now that the season's not so young, he's fallen from the top.

Who took his place?

Well, I'll tell you by breaking down the top MVP candidates from five to one based on our metrics. For those of you unfamiliar with Bulls' struggles as a team and getting accustomed to playing with Rose. Nonetheless, Butler is having a career year. He's averaging over 20 points per game on 46% shooting in 39.5 minutes per game (the most in the league) and has a nERD of 14.1, accounting for nearly 24% of his team's total nERD.

Upcoming Matchups: Warriors, Lakers, Suns

4. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Previous ranking: Unranked

our numbers don't see them winning that fight -- they only have a 26.7% chance of making the playoffs. Both the Suns (45.7%) and Thunder (42.2%) are more likely to find a way into the back end of the loaded West. Without a playoff berth, I fear that the Brow couldn't win the MVP.

Upcoming Matchups: 76ers, Nuggets, Clippers

2. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Previous ranking: #5

fuel that makes the Rockets go.

Upcoming Matchups: Mavericks, Celtics, Pistons