NBA Futures, MVP Update
Nikola Jokic (Denver)
$2.70
The two-time champion is back at the top of the market as he attempts to join Moses Malone, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird as a three-time MVP.
While he’s averaging slightly less than previous years, the Serbian superstar is still leading the Nuggets with 25.5p, 11.8r and 9.2a.
After a slower start to the season than most pundits anticipated, Denver has returned to their dominant ways with eight wins from their past 10. The Joker piled on 26+ in six of those games, including a triple-double against the Grizzlies on 11-11 shooting.
There’s no doubt the Nuggets’ chances of back-to-back championships rely heavily on the Joker’s output, but it’s worth waiting on the extent of Embiid’s injury before piling in at the short quote.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
$4.50
No player has shortened since the start of the season like Gilgeous-Alexander, with the Thunder star crunched into $4.50 and third spot on the MVP Ladder.
The Western Conference Player of the Month for December has had the hot hand of late, with 30+ points in nine of his past 10 games. He currently averages 31.5p for the season.
While his individual performances are as strong as any in the League, SGA has also led his side to a 24-11 record and second spot in the West.
The Thunder’s ability to stay ahead of the Nuggets could play a big role in SGA’s MVP chances, but if he keeps knocking down 30+ most nights, maybe it won’t even matter.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia)
$5.00
Having missed five of his last seven games due to a swollen knee, the market has lost some faith in the reigning champion at $5.
With a career stat line of 34.1p, 11.8r, 6.0a and 2.0b, Embiid launched into favouritism and the #1 position on the NBA’s MVP ladder.
After missing Philly’s last five games of 2023, Embiid returned with a monster triple-double performance of 31-15-10 and backed it up with another 30-point display before succumbing to injury again.
If he plays, he wins. He just needs to get his knee right, and the $5 quote could be the best investment punters make this year.
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
$36
At $36, why not?
Clearly a roughie for this year’s MVP, we couldn’t go past Edwards and the role he’s playing on the Western Conference leaders.
With career averages in points (26.2), assists (4.9) and 3pt% (38.5), Edwards has been a large reason for the Timberwolves’ reversal of form this season as they sit atop the thunder and Nuggets with a 26-10 record.
He’s knocked down 35+ points in five of his past seven, including a 44-point effort against Luka and the Mavs.
While not in the top few chances at this point of the season, it might be worth having a dabble on Edwards at $36 while the Wolves are eyeing off top spot in the West.
