NBA MVP Odds
March 4, 2021
The NBA MVP award is a legacy-defining award that signifies individual greatness in the National Basketball Association. This year, there are a few great players at the top of the list of NBA MVP odds. The rest of the league, meanwhile, is tasked with trying to catch them. In this look at NBA betting on the MVP award, we run down the favorites to win the award and make our NBA MVP predictions.
NBA MVP Favorites
LeBron James +150
As the NBA All-Star break approaches, it looks like the LeBron James NBA MVP 2021 campaign is off to a great start. He is the leader in terms of the NBA MVP odds 2021 at +150 to take home the trophy. James has been the lone constant for the Lakers this season, playing just about every game even as his co-star in Anthony Davis has dealt with injury issues. James’ improved three-point shooting and all-around play make him hard to deny for this season’s award.
Joel Embiid +300
With the second best odds to win NBA MVP, Joel Embiid has had one of the best seasons in recent memory for a big man. He is averaging nearly 30 points per game and 11 rebounds. His perimeter shooting is essential on a team whose starting point guard in Ben Simmons cannot shoot from the outside. And he has the Philadelphia 76ers at the top of the Eastern Conference standings alongside the loaded Brooklyn Nets.
Nikola Jokic +600
Nikola Jokic isn’t the fastest player on the floor or the most physically imposing. But he manages to get the job done on a regular basis, and that is what matters. Jokic is averaging 27 points, over 10 rebounds and eight assists per game for a Nuggets team that is crumbling around him with injury concerns. Jokic is a matchup nightmare for just about any big in the league, as he can score from anywhere and is arguably even more dangerous when passing the basketball.
Stephen Curry +1400
The Golden State Warriors are barely holding on in the race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. But this might be the best work that Stephen Curry has done as a professional basketball player. Without Klay Thompson and without the consistent presence of bigs on his roster, Curry has carried the Warriors by averaging about 30 points per night. He is approaching the 50/40/90 club, as his hot shooting is the only thing holding the Warriors together on many nights.
Luka Doncic +1400
Luka Doncic has all of the tools to be successful in the NBA. He is a great passer, he can shoot the basketball and he is big enough from the guard spot to be an impactful rebounder. The problem for Doncic this season has been the team around him. Injuries and COVID-19 issues have made the Dallas Mavericks one of the true disappointments in the NBA this season. Unless the team can turn things around dramatically, it is hard to envision Doncic coming away with the MVP award.
Giannis Antetokounmpo +1800
As it pertains to MVP odds NBA fans might be relieved not to see Giannis Antetokounmpo at the top of the list again this year. The Milwaukee Bucks have taken a step back this season, with Giannis’ limitations from the free throw line and the perimeter earning the spotlight. Giannis is still an All-Star and one of the best players in the league, but his value this season is not what it has been the last two years when he took home this award.
Kevin Durant +1800
One of the sneaky choices to win this award has been Kevin Durant. In his first year with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant has shown no ill effects from the Achilles injury that ended his tenure with the Warriors. In a season where Kyrie Irving hasn’t been reliable and James Harden just arrived in Brooklyn, Durant’s scoring has been the constant. And with the Nets among the favorites to win the NBA Finals, he could very well justify a selection this year.
NBA MVP Prediction: LeBron James +150
Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers would be outside of the playoff picture if not for LeBron James. His ability to impact the game in every way, and his determination to be on the floor every night this season, make him a deserved front-runner for this year’s MVP award. As long as he stays healthy and keeps playing regularly, he should win it this year.
NBA MVP FAQ
Who will win the NBA MVP?
Right now, it looks like LeBron James will win the MVP award. Behind him, there are a couple of worthy candidates in Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant. But James has been the most consistent star in the league this year and looks determined to keep it that way.
Which player with long NBA MVP betting odds could win?
When it comes to MVP predictions NBA fans like their longshots. And Damian Lillard might be a longshot worth looking at this season. He has been carrying the Portland Trail Blazers during the absence of CJ McCollum, and his scoring may be enough to keep Portland in the mix for the playoffs.
What are the James Harden MVP odds?
The NBA MVP odds for James Harden are +4000, and they should be longer than that. Harden missed the first portion of the season as he was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets. And with the Nets having three superstars, Harden’s value has diminished from what it was in Houston.
What are the Kawhi Leonard MVP odds?
Kawhi Leonard also has NBA MVP odds of +4000. For Leonard, his load management is what could cost him this award, as he just doesn’t spend enough time on the court to be at the top of the list of contenders.
