Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his position as the frontrunner for the NBA MVP award, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best 31-6 record. The Thunder hold a six-game lead atop the Western Conference, with Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 31.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in a remarkable season.
With Luka Doncic sidelined by a left calf strain, the Dallas Mavericks guard is set to fall short of the NBA’s minimum 65-game requirement for end-of-season awards. His pending disqualification also ends his streak of five consecutive All-NBA First-Team selections.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Gilgeous-Alexander is the betting favorite at -200 odds to win MVP. Nikola Jokić, who previously led the race, remains the closest contender at +175 odds. Despite Jokić’s near triple-double averages of 31.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.9 assists, the Denver Nuggets’ 22-15 record has hindered his case.
Giannis Antetokounmpo follows at +1800 odds. The two-time MVP has faced an uphill battle after the Milwaukee Bucks’ slow start to the season, though he has carried the team with averages of 31.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists. Amid a three-game winning streak, the Bucks are still just 20-16 and rank fourth in the East.
Jayson Tatum’s candidacy continues to slide. The Boston Celtics star is averaging 27.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists, but the Celtics’ 6-6 stretch over their last 12 games has dropped them to 27-11—closer to the third-place New York Knicks than the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers at 33-4.
With the rest of the MVP field considered long shots, the race has narrowed to a two-player battle, with Antetokounmpo and Tatum retaining slim hopes.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, here are the players currently ranked in the top 10 for MVP odds.
Current NBA MVP Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-200)
- Nikola Jokic (+175)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (+1800)
- Jayson Tatum (+3000)
- Victor Wembanyama (+10000)
- Donovan Mitchell (+15000)
- Anthony Edwards (+15000)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (+20000)
- Jalen Brunson (+20000)
- Kevin Durant (+25000)
- Anthony Davis (+25000)
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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