The first half of this strange NBA season is officially in the books, and now is a great time to look at each players’ MVP odds. This year’s MVP race includes some familiar faces, as well as some new candidates whose level of play has reached new heights this season.
With the second half of the season about to get underway, let’s take a look at some of this season’s MVP favorites.
Odds to win 2021 NBA MVP award
Here is a look at the latest odds to win the 2021 NBA MVP award.
Player | Odds to Win NBA MVP |
LeBron James | +225 |
Joel Embiid | +225 |
Nikola Jokic | +450 |
Luka Doncic | +1200 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | +1600 |
Stephen Curry | +1600 |
Damian Lillard | +2000 |
James Harden | +2500 |
Kawhi Leonard | +3300 |
Kevin Durant | +4000 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
NBA MVP Odds: The Favorites
Unlike many years, there is no clear favorite at the halfway point of the NBA season to win the MVP award. Instead, there are two players who stand out as the favorites to win the 2021 award. Let’s take a look at the candidates and their odds.
LeBron James MVP Odds
One of those players is four-time MVP, LeBron James, who has led the Lakers to a 24-13 record in the first half of the season. LeBron’s odds (+225) courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook tie him for the lead in this year’s MVP race. While his team has slowed down recently with the absence of Anthony Davis, The King continues to put up MVP numbers.
Joel Embiid MVP Odds
Embiid (+225) is tied for the lead in the MVP race . He has taken a huge step forward this year to become arguably the most dominant big man in the league. Embiid is currently slashing 30/12/3 on 52% shooting and 42% three-point shooting. He is scoring at a career-best pace and is doing so with the greatest efficiency of his career as well. His Sixers also reside in first place in the east with a 24-12 record.
Nikola Jokic MVP Odds
Currently sitting with the third-highest MVP odds (+450), Jokic is another big man who has brought his game to another level. He is currently putting up video game numbers, nearly averaging a triple-double and doing so so on efficient shooting. Unfortunately, Jokic’s Denver Nuggets have not looked like the same team that reached the conference finals in the bubble last season, as they’ve struggled a bit to a 21-15 record. But if Denver gets hot in the second half, look for Jokic’s MVP odds to improve.
NBA MVP Candidates
After Jokic, there is a pretty large drop to the next candidate. After being the preseason favorite, Luka Doncic’s odds have fallen substantially this season (now at +1200), as the Dallas Mavericks struggled out of the gate. After Luka, the next two candidates are a pair of former MVPs in Stephen Curry (+1600) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (+1600)
NBA MVP History
Here is a look at the NBA MVP award winners since 2000.
Year | Player | Postion | Team |
2020 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Power Forward | Milwaukee Bucks |
2019 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Power Forward | Milwaukee Bucks |
2018 | James Harden | Shooting Guard | Houston Rockets |
2017 | Russell Westbrook | Point Guard | Oklahoma City Thunder |
2016 | Stephen Curry | Point Guard | Golden State Warriors |
2015 | Stephen Curry | Point Guard | Golden State Warriors |
2014 | Kevin Durant | Small Forward | Oklahoma City Thunder |
2013 | LeBron James | Small Forward | Miami Heat |
2012 | LeBron James | Small Forward | Miami Heat |
2011 | Derrick Rose | Point Guard | Chicago Bulls |
2010 | LeBron James | Small Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers |
2009 | LeBron James | Small Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers |
2008 | Kobe Bryant | Shooting Guard | Los Angeles Lakers |
2007 | Dirk Nowitzki | Power Forward | Dallas Mavericks |
2006 | Steve Nash | Point Guard | Phoenix Suns |
2005 | Steve Nash | Point Guard | Phoenix Suns |
2004 | Kevin Garnett | Power Forward | Minnesota Timberwolves |
2003 | Tim Duncan | Power Forward | San Antonio Spurs |
2002 | Tim Duncan | Power Forward | San Antonio Spurs |
2001 | Allen Iverson | Point Guard | Philadelphia 76ers |
2000 | Shaquille O'Neal | Center | Los Angeles Lakers |
Betting Picks for the 2021 NBA MVP Award
Looking for betting picks to win the 2021 NBA MVP? Check out FTNBets' NBA package, with top NBA analysis picking sides, totals, futures, and more.
NBA MVP Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the favorite to win 2021 NBA MVP?
The favorites to win the 2021 NBA MVP are LeBron James and Joel Embiid.
Who won the 2020 NBA MVP?
The winner of the 2020 NBA MVP was Giannis Antetokounmpo.
What are LeBron James’ MVP Odds?
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, LeBron’s odds of winning MVP are +225.
Where can I bet on the NBA MVP?
Depending on your state, you have many options for online sportsbooks. Check out the FTN Prop Shop to ensure you are getting the best odds.
Who has won the most NBA MVP awards?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record with six career MVP awards.