The NBA MVP odds experienced a significant shake-up when Joel Embiid suffered an injury, leaving only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic as legitimate contenders to challenge Nikola Jokic's long-standing position as the favorite.
The NBA odds for this prestigious award will once again face intense scrutiny this year, as storylines develop and debates rage on in the media as we approach the April voting. However, at present, Jokic continues to extend his lead like never before.
Has Jokic established an insurmountable lead in the NBA MVP race for this season? Let's examine the futures frontrunners in this popular NBA market, as the competition continues to narrow down.
NAME |
TEAM |
ODDS |
Nikola Jokic |
Nuggets |
-1000 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
Thunder |
+1000 |
Luka Doncic |
Mavericks |
+2000 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo |
Bucks |
+10000 |
Jayson Tatum |
Celtics |
+10000 |
Nikola Jokic
Jokic continues to showcase his exceptional skills this season as the Nuggets aim for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and defend their 2023 championship. With his offensive prowess and impressive performance, there would be little room for complaints if Jokic secures his third MVP award in four seasons. The Serbian center averages 26.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 9.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 58.1% FG, 35.4% 3PT, and 82.6% FT so far this season.
Joining the elite group of players with three or more MVPs, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, would solidify his place in basketball history.
His remarkable 30-point triple-doubles, totaling 10 this season, further highlight his unique talent. From not being among the NBA's top 75 players a few years ago, Jokic is now on track to be considered one of the top 15 players of all time. Truly remarkable.
Nikola Jokic NBA MVP Odds: -1000
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander's performance this season has been exceptional, despite averaging slightly fewer points compared to last season. This year, he has achieved career highs in field goal percentage, assists, rebounds, and steals, making it his best season so far. Not only has he elevated his own game, but he has also played a significant role in propelling the Thunder to become one of the top teams in the league.
With his remarkable individual success, both offensively and defensively, combined with the team's success, Gilgeous-Alexander emerges as a strong contender for the MVP title. He is on track to join the ranks of legendary players like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry, as he is projected to average at least 30 points, 2.1 steals, and shoot 50% or better. Speaking of averages, SGA has 30.5 ppg, 6.3 apg, 5.6 rpg, 2.1 spg, 54.1% FG, 36.7% 3PT, and 87.2% FT up to this point.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander NBA MVP Odds: +1000
Luka Doncic
Doncic, the current leader in scoring, ranks third in triple-doubles and is currently enjoying his most impressive season yet, achieving career-high statistics in points per game, 3-point shooting percentage, assists, and steals. Recently, he made history in the NBA by achieving six consecutive 30-point triple-doubles. So far this season, Doncic averages 34 ppg, 9.9 apg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 spg, 48.6% FG, 37.3% 3PT, and 78.7% FT.
Despite his remarkable performance, the Dallas Mavericks are currently battling for the sixth seed in order to secure a guaranteed playoff series instead of participating in the play-in game. Their overall record may be the only factor that could potentially detract from Doncic's MVP candidacy.
Although it is uncommon, it is not unprecedented for the Most Valuable Player award to be given to a player from a team that finished lower than third in their conference. For instance, Nikola Jokic won the MVP award in the 2021-22 season when the Denver Nuggets held the No. 6 seed.
Luka Doncic NBA MVP Odds: +2000
Giannis Antetokounmpo
This year, Antetokounmpo is experiencing the second-highest scoring average of his career, achieving the highest number of assists per game (for the first time reaching 6.0 or more) and his best shooting percentage (for the first time finishing at 60% or higher). In numbers, Giannis’ averages are 30.7 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.0 bpg, 61.6% FG, 29.6% 3PT, and 66.4% FT.
The Greek Freak continues to dominate in the paint, shooting 71.7% at the rim, as per nba.com shooting charts. It has been a successful season for Antetokounmpo, as he is set to achieve the most double-doubles in his career and has recorded a career-high eight triple-doubles. However, the Bucks have had an unusual season. They dismissed first-year coach Adrian Griffin with a 30-13 record and have only managed a 14-11 record since Doc Rivers took over. Milwaukee holds the fifth-best record in the league and despite being in second place in the Eastern Conference, they are trailing Boston by 11 games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo NBA MVP Odds: +10000
Jayson Tatum
The top player on the best team in the league is a strong contender for the MVP award. Tatum excels in both offense and defense, showcasing elite skills. He plays a crucial role in a team that ranks first in offense and second in defense, boasting the NBA's highest net rating.
Tatum’s averages are 27.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.0 spg, 47.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, and 83.1% FT. With each passing season, Tatum continues to improve, particularly in his playmaking abilities following the All-Star break, helping the Celtics secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Jayson Tatum NBA MVP Odds: +10000