ESPN star host Molly Qerim revealed a hilarious nickname for her absent co-host, Stephen A. Smith, during the latest edition of First Take.

Smith went missing from Thursday’s program, and Qerim took a funny dig, calling him a “peanut-head” after a First Take guest insinuated that the ESPN star had shifted the “MVP odds” for the NBA season.

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Molly Qerim teased Stephen A. Smith on Thursday’s episodeCredit: ESPN/First Take

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NBA insider Brian Windhorst credited Smith for helping Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s MVP oddsCredit: ESPN/First Take
The 56-year-old notable sports media personality was off the air for near end of the week episode, presumably taking a well-earned break.

With Smith out for the day, former NBA star Tim Legler and basketball insider Brian Windhorst were alongside co-host Qerim for the popular ESPN sports morning talk show.

Qerim started the basketball segment by asking one of Stephen A.’s Top NBA storylines: Will Boston Celtics all-star Jayson Tatum win the MVP this season?

Smith has been advocating for Tatum to receive more recognition in the award race, and Windhorst credited him with “moving MVP odds” in favor of the Celtics icon.

Tatum currently has the fifth-best odds at 25/1 on ESPN bet to win MVP.

However, it’s a massive increase from just a week ago when he was listed 50/1 odds to win the award.

Qerim tossed the question to Windhorst, who detailed that he believes Tatum is an MVP-level player because he “has the size, the skill, the will, and plays both sides of the court.”

But Windhorst disagreed with Smith and said it was a bad bet to gamble on Tatum to win MVP while highlighting that Smith also has a ton of influence and clearly moved the line with his support.

“Will he win MVP this year? I think it is a bad bet. I think it’s longer odds than that…

“Tatum is not in the top 5 in the polls…. But we will see how strong Stephen A’.s influence is on the voters.

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“Because Stephen A. has elected to make this a cause for himself, and he is pushing hard for Tatum.

“In fact, his commentary on this show is probably what moved the odds,” Windporst said.

Qerim quickly fired back, condemning that take.

“Oh god, Windy, do we really gotta that? He’s probably watching this.

“We can’t make the head any bigger. I mean figuratively, since he actually has a peanut-head literally.

“Really, Stephen A. is moving the odds,” Qerim said.

Tatum is having a stellar season in his seventh year, averaging 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, helping the Celtics to the best record in the NBA at 43-12.

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First Take airs every weekday from 10 am ET to midday.