Sports bettors didn't have to wait too long for NBA odds to come back around. With the Association logging the shortest offseason in recent sports history, MVP odds are again all the rage with the season beginning December 22.
The Covers staff have dug into the preseason futures odds and come up with their favorite picks in a variety of categories. Join us for a breakdown of our NBA MVP odds picks. (odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
NBA MVP Odds Picks
Jason Logan, Senior Industry Analyst (@CoversJLo)
Damian Lillard absolutely balled out in the bubble and carried the Blazers to the playoffs, averaging 37.6 points, 9.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 5.5 3-pointers per game when the season restarted. He’s got a great team around him in Portland and I think the Trail Blazers make a jump forward in 2021, with Dame powering that improvement.
PICK: Damian Lillard +1,900
Andrew Caley, Senior Editor (@Covers_Caley)
When you look at the MVP betting board, LeBron at +1,500 and Kawhi at +1,900 immediately jump out at you. But you just know both won’t try enough during the regular season to win this award, so let’s look at another former MVP. Kevin freaking Durant!
Now, an Achilles injury is a huge deal, and a player suffering an injury of that magnitude almost certainly takes a step back. But what does that make KD? Still a Top-3 player in the Association? Durant always has a chip on his shoulder and actually got extra rest thanks to 2020.
Just as a refresher, his per 36 numbers in Golden State looked like this: 27.3 points on 53 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. And there won’t be nearly as may mouths to feed in Brooklyn. I love KD at this price.
PICK: Kevin Durant +1,300
Zachary Cohen, NBA Writer (@_ZCO)
Dame is going to put up big numbers for Portland this year. He always does. But the Blazers could actually be a Top-4 team in the Western Conference, which would put Lillard in the conversation. At these odds, that’s good enough. Another good value play is Trae Young (+6,500).
PICK: Damian Lillard +1,900
Jared Hochman, Publishing Editor (@JLHoch)
Last year was a write-off for the Warriors, but while they won’t have Klay again this season, they do have the two-time NBA MVP and greatest-shooter-of-all-time in Steph Curry.
Golden State was a basement-dweller last season, but Curry will be on a mission in 2021. And with Wiggins, Draymond, Wiseman & Co. the Warriors should be a playoff team again.
People are tired of Giannis for MVP, while LeBron and AD cancel each other out, plus Kawhi and KD will get load management-ed out of the award. Luka Doncic stands as his biggest threat, but Dallas was good last year, so I think the Warriors’ one-season turnaround could give Steph the extra edge for MVP No. 3.
PICK: Stephen Curry +850
AJ Salah, Publishing Editor (@Salas42_)
Another boring chalk pick, I know. But I do genuinely believe Luka represents the best value. After the leap Doncic made as a sophomore, and the further bubble-leap he made in the playoffs (vs. the NBA’s scariest perimeter D trio, no less), it’s very hard to bet against him.
Doncic finished Top-5 in both MVP and MIP voting as a 21-year-old, notching All-NBA First Team status. He could easily improve again, enough to make this a no-contest. His case gets a built-in springboard having to carry the Mavs sans-Porzingis for the first little bit, something he’s already proven he can do against the NBA’s elite.
Not only will Doncic have momentum and narrative in his favor, he’s one of the few contenders without a serious injury/rest/Vegas-related concern marring his candidacy. As for the two-time reigning trophy-holder, as much it’s a lame concept, voter fatigue is a very real thing, and it’s tough to envision Giannis pulling off an MVP three-peat.
PICK: Luka Doncic +410
Where Can I Bet on NBA MVP Odds?
With the 2020-21 season underway, most sportsbooks and casinos will have NBA MVP odds posted. Check out the top sportsbooks in your region and see what they are offering for NBA futures odds.
