NBA MVP Betting Odds

nba mvp odds

The 2023-24 NBA season has ended, and the young Joel Embiid has won the MVP title after leading the pack across top-tier NBA betting sites offering NBA MVP odds. Looking ahead to the next season, the NBA MVP odds 2025 have already been released.

MVP Winners Odds 2024/25Bovada Sportsbook ReviewMyBookie Sportsbook ReviewBetOnline Sportsbook Review
Nikola Jokic+380+390+380
Luka Doncic+380+380+410
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander+550+550+575
Giannis Antetokounmpo+550+550+550
Joel Embiid+550+600+600
Jayson Tatum+1500+1500+1500
Anthony Edwards+1500+1500+1500
Last updated on: December 31, 2024

The 2024/25 NBA MVP betting odds are a hot topic among basketball fans, as they offer bettors the opportunity to follow their favorite players’ progress throughout the season, with a little extra clout in the game.

At present, the leader in the 2024/25 NBA MVP odds is Jokic who sits at +380 to add the award to his trophy cabinet. But, with many unexpected NBA teams performing extremely well this season, it’s anyone’s guess who will get their hands on the big prize.

We have discussed the brilliance of Luka, but he hasn’t won the award before. There are some great options available to bettors looking to bet on the NBA MVP, the likes of Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid, who have shone under great management this season. There may be more to enter the fray as the season wears on. Will these guys be among the NBA finals MVP odds this season?

We’ll take a look at all NBA playoffs candidates and make some MVP picks based on the current MVP NBA betting odds. As well as that, we’ll provide information on how to bet on NBA finals MVP odds in 2024/25.

 

Who will be the 2024/25 NBA MVP?

As it stands, there are many in contention when placing a bet on NBA finals MVP and the regular season MVP. Steph Curry (+1225) was named consecutive MVP and sits fifth in line to pick up this year’s award, after returning from a broken hand he picked up back in the 2024/25 NBA season. His old teammate Kevin Durant (+1200) has been enjoying his time at the Brooklyn Nets, alongside James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

Elsewhere, it’s one of the favorites from the start of the season Joel Embiid. Embiid currently stands at +630 to win, which is understandable given the high-quality performances from Doc River’s men overall this season.

You can never count out Doncic. If he can angle his team towards the NBA Playoffs, anything could happen. His individual brilliance and the offensive manner in which his team plays, make for a fearsome combination even for the league’s best teams.

However, it’s LeBron James who, in the 19th year of his career, will look to make it his fifth MVP award. The way in which he controls the tempo of the game and can single-handedly produce a performance that carries his team to the top makes him truly one of the best players around.

With teammate and MVP candidate Anthony Davis around him, anything is possible. It’s no coincidence that the Lakers remain the team to beat in the NBA and LeBron is the main man in LA.

NBA MVP Betting Guide Image

Who else could be the 2024/25 NBA MVP?

Let’s take a look at the 2024/25 contenders:

Luka Doncic (+380)

As we mentioned before it’s Luka Doncic who is ascending at the moment. He opened the running at +300, having missed out in the NBA Finals last season, he’ll be keen to show up this year. Nonetheless, he has been pivotal to the success of this team in recent years and is the orchestrator out on the court. Now at +380, Doncic is in with a real chance of claiming the MVP title in 2024/25.

The Dallas Mavericks is a top team in the Western Conference and there are certainly individuals in that team who are the main contributors to the success of this team. While he doesn’t produce LeBron numbers, if Doncic and the Mavericks continue on this trajectory, anything can happen.

Nikola Jokić (Nuggets) +380

Jokić, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, enters the season with strong odds due to his all-around dominance and leadership on the championship-winning Denver Nuggets. His ability to impact the game in multiple areas—scoring, rebounding, and playmaking—makes him a consistent MVP favorite, especially if the Nuggets continue their top-tier performance.

 

How to Read 2024/25 NBA MVP Odds

For bettors who are just learning how to bet on NBA MVP odds, you’ll notice at all of the best providers the odds are laid out as such:

  • LeBron James +350
  • Joel Embiid +400
  • Luka Doncic +525
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo +650

The main difference bettors will notice is that there is no underdog and favorite per se, as usually there is a “-” sign to indicate who is most likely to win. However, in these markets, the player with the lowest odds with a “+” sign is the favorite.

Take for example the above odds, LeBron is the slight favorite over Joel Embiid, if a bettor placed a $100 stake on Embiid to win the NBA MVP, they would see a return of $500. This would break down as the original $100 wager, as well as the $400 in winnings from the bet.

This may seem obvious, but placing a bet on the NBA finals MVP will often be listed as a futures bet. But, why and what is a futures bet?

What is a Futures bet?

These types of bets as they’re described. A bet that is made based on events that will happen later down the line. In the case of the NBA MVP, odds will be displayed on the majority of sportsbook providers from the beginning of the season, with the odds changing as the regular season progresses.

With futures bets, it’s always worth going back to check the MVP odds for the NBA on players as the season unfolds. Oddsmakers will tinker with the odds throughout the season – you can keep track of the odds here!

Why do NBA MVP Odds & Lines Change during the season?

NBA MVP odds fluctuate throughout the season based on player performance, team success, and media narratives. A hot streak, injury, or slump can quickly alter a player’s chances, while team wins or losses can also impact perceptions of a candidate’s value. Additionally, betting volume and public perception can cause shifts in the odds as more people place bets on a particular player.

Why Does the NBA MVP Favorite Have Plus-Odds?

Even the NBA MVP favorite often has plus-odds early in the season because of the unpredictability of the entire season. Injuries, changes in performance, and team dynamics can all affect a player’s chances, meaning sportsbooks are reluctant to offer negative odds until a clear frontrunner has emerged. Plus-odds give bettors a better return on risk while the outcome remains uncertain.

How Does Scoring (PPG) Factor In?

Points per game (PPG) is one of the key metrics that influence MVP voting, as high-scoring players are often seen as the most valuable. While scoring isn’t the only factor, leading the league in PPG can significantly enhance a player’s MVP chances, especially if combined with overall team success. Historically, many MVP winners rank near the top in scoring during their winning seasons.

Which Positions Most Often Win NBA MVP?

Historically, guards and forwards have won the NBA MVP award more frequently than centers. Point guards and small forwards, such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James, dominate recent MVP wins due to their versatility and scoring ability. Centers, while still valuable, have seen fewer MVP wins in recent years, though players like Nikola Jokić have revived the trend.

How Old is the Average NBA MVP Winner?

The average age of an NBA MVP winner is around 27-28 years old. This is typically the period when a player is in their prime, combining peak athletic performance with years of experience. Recent winners like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić have also followed this trend, winning in their mid-to-late 20s.

How Does Team Success (Record) Impact NBA MVP Voting?

Team success is a major factor in NBA MVP voting, as voters often prioritize players who lead their teams to top-tier records. MVP candidates on teams with losing or mediocre records are rarely considered serious contenders, even if their individual statistics are impressive. Typically, MVP winners come from teams finishing in the top few seeds of their conference.

Are Playoff Results a Factor for NBA MVP Voting?

No, playoff results do not factor into the NBA MVP award, as the voting process is completed before the postseason begins. The MVP is strictly a regular-season award, though playoff performance can shape future perceptions of a player’s legacy. Despite this, players who perform well in both the regular season and playoffs often strengthen their case for future MVP campaigns.

NBA Voting Process

The NBA MVP voting process involves a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from across the U.S. and Canada, who rank their top five candidates. Each first-place vote earns a player 10 points, second place earns seven, and so on, with the player accumulating the most points being named MVP. Fan voting does not play a role in determining the MVP.

NBA MVP Voting Weaknesses

One of the primary criticisms of the MVP voting process is its subjectivity, as voters can be influenced by narratives, media hype, and regional bias. Additionally, players on weaker teams often get overlooked, even if their individual performances are stellar. Some also argue that MVP voting tends to favor offensive stats over defensive impact or other less quantifiable aspects of a player’s game.

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