NBA MVP Picks: Where to Find the Best Odds for Each Top Contender

Although Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have dominated the NBA MVP race for the majority of the season, if the objective is to honor the most efficient players in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic should be considered for your picks.

At the age of 37, this could be the last chance for voters to recognize LeBron James with an MVP award.

The Chicago Bulls are atop the Eastern Conference standings thanks to new guard DeMar DeRozan, and Philadelphia 76ers forward Joel Embiid is heating up over the last month. 

We examine the NBA MVP futures market from a betting perspective and the current pricing associated with each top contender.

NBA MVP Picks: Where to Find Your Best Price

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WkN4N/1/

NBA MVP Picks: Pretenders

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

After struggling in back-to-back games, Curry is now out with an injury. A decline in Curry's stock in this futures market has nothing to do with his skill or ability to win the award. I believe that his odds will increase in the future, so it is advisable to fade them now in anticipation of a better price.

Recommendation: Fade Best Price: +135 FanDuel Sportsbook

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1478953230172246016

Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

After returning from the health and safety protocols, Durant has averaged 31.5 points per game and posted a 53.6 effective field goal percentage. Even though he'll be among the favorites throughout the season, he's not a worthwhile buy at his current price.

Recommendation: FadeBest Price: +250 Barstool Sportsbook

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

The efficiency of Antetokounmpo has increased as the season progresses. Despite hovering around the top of the odds board all season, there really isn't any momentum toward him claiming the award for a third time. If the voters do reward a player for having such a high player efficiency rating, I prefer Jokic based on the current pricing.

Recommendation: NeutralBest Price: +900 FanDuel

NBA MVP Picks: Contenders

DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

Considering DeRozan's advanced metrics, he will have a hard time winning this award. At present, he ranks 14th in player efficiency rating in the NBA. In order to stay in contention, DeRozan will have to lead the league in scoring (currently fourth) or help the Bulls win the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. It is definitely a lot for DeRozan to accomplish here, but it is not impossible.

Recommendation: NeutralBest Price: +4000 FanDuel

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Over the course of his last 14 games, Embiid has averaged 30.6 points per game and a 56.1 EFG%. This is significantly higher than his November average of 25.0 PPG and 47.3 EFG% over just five games played. A price of +5000 on a player ranked third by PER and who was seriously considered for this award last season is intriguing.

Recommendation: WatchlistBest Price: +5000 Barstool

NBA MVP Picks: Top Choices

Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

In anticipation of the voters not awarding him the MVP in consecutive seasons, many bettors faded Antetokounmpo during the 2019-2020 season. Jokic is having a better season than he did in his MVP campaign last year. In the current environment, I'm recommending Jokic as a buy and waiting to see how the narrative evolves.

Recommendation: BuyBest Price: +1600 DraftKings Sportsbook

https://twitter.com/NBA_Math/status/1478758193677225985

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Through 27 games, James averages 28.6 PPG, which is the most he has averaged since he was 25 years old with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This season, his EFG% of .593 is the fourth highest over his 19-year career. Once this bandwagon gets rolling, his odds will plummet quickly.

Recommendation: BuyBest Price: +4000 DraftKings

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.