NBA Most Improved Player Odds & Predictions 2026-27: Miller Steps Up in Charlotte

Brandon Miller is the +1100 betting favorite in the 2026-27 NBA Most Improved Player odds.

However, in such a volatile market - each of the last two winners had preseason odds of +6600 or greater - can Miller be a good bet? Below, I break down my best bet to win Most Improved Player, along with a sleeper pick at odds greater than +2000.

NBA Most Improved Player odds 2026-27

See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds.

NBA Most Improved Player best bet

Brandon Miller (+1100 via DraftKings)

While Dyson Daniels (+6600) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (+20000) won in 2025 and 2026, respectively, it's not unreasonable to expect this market to become much more efficient this season.

The explosion of prediction markets means not only will liquidity rise in markets like Most Improved Player, but more bettors will be willing to enter the market because they can sell whenever they'd like (instead of tying up capital for an entire season).

Enter Miller. He's the betting favorite for a clear reason, and I believe this price is still too long. LaMelo Ball was traded to the Timberwolves in the offseason, and with him went the 14th-highest usage rate in the NBA (30.9%).

Miller led the Hornets with 20.2 PPG last season, and the former No. 2 overall pick will likely have more opportunities to score with Ball (20.1 PPG in 2025-26) out of the picture. Miller to win Most Improved Player (+1100 via DraftKings) is the best line available among the top NBA betting sites.

NBA Most Improved Player dark horse

Walker Kessler (+3000 via BetRivers)

Walker Kessler is in a great situation. The last time he played more than five games in a season (2024-25), he averaged 11.1 points without an elite point guard (Collin Sexton was running the offense). Now he's in Los Angeles, where he'll be able to run pick-and-rolls with Luka Doncic, who ranked ninth in the NBA with 13 potential assists per game last season (min. 41 games played).

So, Kessler's scoring will likely increase, and his potential to be an elite rebounder and rim protector gives him a realistic shot at taking home the award. He ranked sixth with a 53.9% contested rebound percentage in 2024-25 (min. 41 games played) and second with 2.4 blocks per game. Kessler to win Most Improved Player (+3000 via BetRivers) is the best line available among the top sports betting sites.

Live NBA Most Improved Player odds

Follow all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.

NBA Most Improved Player opening odds

Odds via FanDuel, as of July 21.

NBA Most Improved Player recent winners

Preseason odds via Covers' Sports Odds History.