The MVP race is starting to heat up in the NBA as players have begun to separate themselves heading into the middle of the season. At the moment, it appears that Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard will be among the favorites to take home the award at season’s end based on their hot starts this year.

While Curry has missed some time with injuries so far, Paul still thinks Curry has the edge over Leonard because of the numbers he puts up when he has been on the floor, in addition to how the Warriors have functioned without him this year.

“Curry has the edge right now because the numbers don’t lie,” Pierce said. “This guy is averaging 30 points and we saw (Golden State) without Curry. They’re not the same team. They don’t even play the same.”