The sports betting odds for this season’s MVP in the NBA have taken a major shift down the stretch. Some of the earlier favorites, such as Joel Embiid, LeBron James and James Harden, have had extended absences due to injury, but Nikola Jokic has yet to miss a game this season. His offensive rating currently sits at 130, a career best, and he has emerged as an old-school center who can be the hub of an entire offense.
Check out the latest NBA odds as well as our thoughts on the contenders.
NBA News: Updated MVP Odds for 2021
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic (Denver) | -2500 |
| Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) | +550 |
| Stephen Curry (Golden State) | +1800 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) | +2000 |
| Luka Doncic (Dallas) | +4000 |
| James Harden (Brooklyn) | +5000 |
| Damian Lillard (Portland) | +5000 |
| LeBron James (L.A. Lakers) | +6600 |
| Chris Paul (Phoenix) | +10000 |
| Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers) | +20000 |
| Donovan Mitchell (Utah) | +25000 |
| Devin Booker (Phoenix) | +50000 |
Given the odds on Nikola Jokic, this isn’t a race that offers a lot of suspense or value right now. Jokic’s win share is 14.7, tops in the NBA. His plus/minus is +11.6, also tops in the league. Among centers in the NBA, no one has more efficient three-point shooting while taking at least four attempts per game, and no one has more assists. In fact, he is seventh overall in the NBA in assists per game. On a talented team, Jokic is the offense, and Denver is thriving down the stretch — key elements to an MVP campaign.
Joel Embiid has returned from injury and continues to put up inspirational numbers. Against Detroit and Houston last week, he scored a combined 63 points and pulled down 18 boards. In the paint, Embiid has finally emerged as a transcendent presence, altering the shots of opponents. When the 76ers have the ball, his offensive rating is 123, a career best, but he has upped his defense as well, putting up a 104 defensive rating that is elite. His plus-minus is +8.4, fourth-best in the NBA, and his free throw shooting is third among league starters at 86 percent. He’s a qualified runner-up in the voting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 25.3 points, 10.7 boards and 6.3 assists per game in three contests last week. In a big win over Brooklyn, he had 36 points and a dozen rebounds. The offense is fourth overall in the league, but the defense sags back to tenth. Antetokounmpo has seven triple-doubles this season. However, a win for him would make three straight MVPs, and there’s scant evidence that he is doing as much for the Bucks this season, and so the odds reflect that sense that others are more likely recipients.
Stephen Curry has put up unreal numbers this season, including 49 points in just three quarters against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That was his seventh game in this campaign in which he knocked down at least 10 three-pointers. He has averaged more than 40 points per game over the last two weeks. The Warriors should make the play-in tournament at this point, and a matchup against the Lakers would make for thrilling television. After all, the Lakers still have the top defense in the NBA, and only two teams permit fewer three-point shots per game.
Luka Doncic has emerged as a real backcourt star, turning up his game as Dallas has won nine of their last 12 games, including a huge win over Brooklyn. In that game Doncic had 24 points, eight rebounds and ten assists. His numbers are slightly down over last year, but his shooting has shown greater efficiency, which leaves more opportunities for the rest of his team to contribute as well. The fact that this run has taken place with Kristaps Porzingis out for extended times due to knee and ankle issues just adds to the accomplishment.
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