With the Boston Celtics winning their historic 18th NBA Championship against the Dallas Mavericks, the focus is already shifting to the 2024–25 season and the competition for the league’s most coveted individual accolade, the Most Valuable Player title. Here are the leading candidates and their odds.
The Preferences
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is the favorite to win his fourth MVP championship, with odds of +350, according to Mega Dice sportsbook. The Serbian center is a regular competitor due to his steady excellence and capacity to affect all aspect of the game. Jokic’s distinct skill set as a big player with point guard vision keeps the center position at the forefront of innovation.
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is closing up on Jokic, with odds of +380. Even though Doncic’s team lost to the Celtics in the NBA Finals, his MVP credentials have only been strengthened by his outstanding postseason performances. The youthful Slovenian is a serious contender for his first MVP honor because of his capacity to lead his squad and clutter the stat sheet.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder are tied for third place in the odds at +550. Gilgeous-Alexander is now officially in the MVP conversation because to his quick rise to superstardom and his part in helping the Thunder finish as the top seed in the Western Conference the previous season. Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP winner, is still a formidable player and a frequent candidate for the honor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks are tied for third place in the odds at +550. Because of his rapid ascent to superstardom and his role in helping the Thunder secure the top seed in the Western Conference in the previous season, Gilgeous-Alexander is now formally mentioned in the MVP conversation. Two-time MVP winner Antetokounmpo remains a dangerous player and a frequent contender for the award.
Extended/Longer Views
With odds of +1400, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, the recent champions, is in sixth place. Tatum’s outstanding performance in the regular season and postseason, which led to Boston’s franchise-record 18th championship, has improved his standing in the league. Tatum’s performance on the largest stage was demonstrated by the Celtics’ exciting seven-game series victory over the Mavericks, which may pave the way for an MVP campaign the next season.
With +1200 odds, Minnesota Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards is ranked eighth. The teenage guard is a fascinating dark horse possibility because of his explosive scoring ability and his all-around game.
The eighth place finisher is Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, with +1800. Booker’s ability to score points and his leadership on a Suns team full of elite players keep him in the running for MVP.
Following a great season, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is ranked ninth, with odds that vary depending on the bookmaker from +1600 to +2200. Due to his rise to prominence as a point guard, Brunson is now being considered for MVP.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors rounds out the top ten with odds of +4000. Curry’s shooting prowess and impact on the game guarantee that he stays in the MVP conversation even if he is nearing the end of his career.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, who was named the MVP of the Inseason Tournament, is not among the top 10 favorites for the first time in almost 20 years. James’ odds, which are +6000, take into account both his advanced age and the league’s evolving conditions. But as Lakers supporters are all too well, it would be foolish to write the four-time MVP off completely.
