NBA Futures, Tips and Previews
Most Valuable Player
$4.30
There have been significant moves in the MVP market since we last provided an update, with the two-time winner of the award and Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic shortening to $3.30 with Bet Nation.
The Serbian superstar is averaging 26.3ppg, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.4 assists this season as the Nuggets tread water in third spot in the Western Conference. Over the past week, the Joker has put up totals of 4 (Bulls) and 8 (Mavs) in shortened minutes, but it certainly hasn’t detracted the market as he aims for his third MVP in four years.
Reigning champion Joel Embiid ($4.30) is the big mover of late, following a seven-game stretch that needs to be seen to be believed. The 2022 MVP has gone on a tear for the 76ers with an average of 40 points and 13 boards since December 7th. He’s been crunched into second favourite and will pull level with Joker in the next few weeks if he can maintain his current output.
Luka Doncic ($4.50) and Shae Gilgeous-Alexander ($7.50) are next in the market, while former winner Giannis Antetokounmpo has slid from $6.50 to $9 since Damian Lillard arrived in Milwaukee. His current quote could provide great value for those on the Giannis train, with the Bucks in second spot in the East and after a career-high 64-point game last week.
Suggested Bet: Joel Embiid to win at $4.30
Most Improved Player
$1.72
The market has its sights on one winner and one winner only when it comes to the Most Improved Award, with Tyrese Maxey at an (almost unbackable) $1.72.
The 76ers’ 2IC has thrived since James Harden’s departure, with additional time in possession resulting in 25.8 points, 6.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 0.9 steals. These numbers all present career highs for Maxey, who is putting up an extra 5.5ppg this season.
Alperen Şengün ($6) is Maxey’s biggest threat in the market as he continues to put up handy points for the 13-11 Rockets. His 19.9 points is 5.1 more than last season, while he’s also averaging 8.9 boards, 5.2 assists and 1.0 steals.
Perhaps the most interesting watch is star Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has moved into fifth favourite at $12 on the back of his 24.9 points and 11.9 assists. While already considered a weapon for Indiana, Haliburton has taken his game to another level as the Pacers cling onto 8th spot in the East with a 13-12 record.
Suggested Bet: Tyrese Maxey to win at $1.72
Championship Winner
$4.50
The Boston Celtics ($4.50) remain slight favourites for the 2023/23 NBA Championship as they lead all comers in the East with a 20-5 record. The Celtics’ price hasn’t changed since acquiring Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as more-than-capable weaponry alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Tatum and Brown, who are averaging 27.3 and 22.3 respectively, can now sleep easier in the knowledge they have reliable scoring back-up in the form of Porzingis (18.9) and Holiday (12.3) alongside Derrick White’s 15.3. Their record at home has been faultless (14-0) as they continue to improve after last season’s Conference Finals loss.
Despite sitting third behind the Timberwolves and Thunder in the West, last year’s champions, Denver, are a solid $5 to go back-to-back. While their 7-8 away record is as bad as any team at the top end of the market, the fact Nikola Jokic is still putting up 26.3ppg, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.4 assists is enough to instil confidence in Michael Malone’s men.
If punters are looking for value at this stage of the season, one can’t ignore the in-season tournament winners, the LA Lakers, at $17 or the Western Conference leaders, the Minnesota Timberwolves, at $21. The market was slow to react to the Nuggets’ domination last season, and there’s a feeling the Timberwolves could be on a similar path with Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert at the helm.
Suggested Bet: Boston Celtics to win at $4.50
