NBA MVP Odds 2025: Who's the Favorite?
Nobody has won the NBA MVP award four times since LeBron James (2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013) did it. Yet, it is possible this season as Nikola Jokic attempts to win it while overcoming favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Let's have a look at the NBA MVP award odds at ESPN BET Ohio.
We can start by saying that Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite, while defending champion Jokic is almost a distant second. So far, Gilgeous-Alexander has vaulted as a heavy favorite due to his amazing season, averaging 32.6 points per game to lead the league. He has also been exceptional on defense, ranking second in steals with 1.8 steals per game.
Every first-team All-NBA player is listed, and the differentiator for NBA MVP could be which team overachieves the most. Cleveland fans tracking Cavs odds may feel like wagering on Donovan Mitchell who is on the board as a longshot.
When Is the MVP Announced for the NBA?
After the regular season concludes, the league office decides which order to announce the awards depending on player availability. Ideally, they announce MVP last. But if that player is knocked out in the first round, the NBA MVP is announced in early May rather than late May.
Who Votes for NBA MVP?
A panel of 100 national broadcasters and NBA writers choose the winner of the NBA MVP. Last season, Mark Jackson of ESPN left Jokic off his ballot. He no longer works there, nor does Jalen Rose, who had Jokic third. They will be replaced on the voting panel this season, which should not significantly impact anyone's NBA MVP odds to win.
Where Can I Bet on NBA Most Valuable Player?
All of the major sportsbooks list NBA MVP odds, including BetMGM Ohio, Caesars, DraftKings and ESPNBet. Sports gambling is legal in Ohio and in the neighboring state of Kentucky, which will impact the odds for Cleveland teams from time to time. If the Cavs continue to play well, Donovan Mitchell for MVP and Evan Mobley for Defensive Player of the Year will draw considerable action in Ohio. A former member of the Cleveland Cavs who you may have heard of, LeBron James, is on the board for Most Valuable Player.
Who Will Win NBA MVP 2025?
Everything in my soul tells me that Gilgeous-Alexander will lock this award easily. Look at what he has done: leading the Thunder and the NBA in scoring. Additionally, he has been magical on defense, swatting passes away and changing the momentum to help the Thunder score on the other end. He has helped lead the Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference.
NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Who's the Favorite?
Stephon Castle has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award. After teammate Victor Wembanyama won the award last season, Castle has had a fantastic season and is the heavy favorite to snag the award this season. If he wins it, it will be the second time teammates have won the Rookie of the Year in back-to-back seasons over the past 25 seasons.
It's hard to pick against a prohibitive favorite, but one of the things for gamblers to consider in looking at the Rookie of the Year award is that voters will give extra credit to players on teams that outperform expectations. But mainly, the guy with the best stats wins. If Castle suffers an injury, everything flips.
Who Will Win Rookie of the Year NBA 2025?
Jaylen Wells (+380) can certainly be considered for the Rookie of the Year award. However, Castle is the favorite (-220) because of how he has performed for the Spurs this season, averaging 13.2 points and 3.5 assists per game. He has shown flashes of being a true leader, scoring 22 points in a recent win over the Orlando Magic.
NBA DPOY Odds: Who's the Favorite?
There are some players to talk about. However, Evan Mobley has stood out, leading the charge with -195 odds, averaging 1.6 blocks per game. He is an incredible force down low and makes life miserable for anyone who attempts to drive down the lane for a layup. Mobley is a heavy favorite for winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year traditionally goes to the defensive player who is at or near the top in blocked shots, but every so often, a terrific on-the-ball defender or a guy who piles up steals gets it. Guards were named the best NBA defensive player five times in six years in the '80s, and Marcus Smart won it three years ago. Dyson Daniels has a chance to become another guard to win it.
Who Will Win NBA Defensive Player of the Year?
Mobley (-195) has inserted himself into the picture as the top favorite to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. However, he still has challengers to watch out for, such as Daniels (+475) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (+650). Currently, Mobley has the best odds to win it all.
NBA 6th Man of the Year Odds: Who's the Favorite?
Payton Pritchard has emerged as the favorite (-125) to win the 6th Man of the Year award, and it's not difficult to see why. He has scored at least 20 points on 18 occasions, including a 29-point explosion against the Chicago Bulls on November 29, 2024. Other contenders include Malik Beasley (+170), De'Andre Hunter (+800), and last season's champion, Naz Reid (+1800)
Pritchard has taken control of the lead for now. His work off the bench for the Boston Celtics has been exemplary, as well as his exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, as he has hit 41.6 percent from the three-point line.
Who Will Win NBA Sixth Man of the Year?
While Pritchard is the favorite, there is still time for another to emerge. Beasley has been one of the significant reasons why the Detroit Pistons have quickly turned from a bottom-feeder to a playoff contender. He is averaging 16.6 points per game. Likewise, De'Andre Hunter could emerge, especially if he continues to help the Cavaliers ascend to the top.
Fantasy Basketball
Want to get in on the action with fantasy basketball this season? BetOhio.com has you covered. We have found some fantastic inspiration for your fantasy basketball team names this season. Be sure to check that page out for regular additions and updates.
NBA Awards Odds FAQs
Kenny Atkinson (-750) is the heavy favorite to win the NBA Coach of the Year after helping lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to the best record in the NBA. Ironically, the man he replaced, JB Bickerstaff (+600), has the second-highest odds of winning the NBA Coach of the Year award.
Cade Cunningham is the heavy favorite to win the Most Improved Player award this season based on his excellent work for the Detroit Pistons. Cunningham has the best odds, averaging 25.3 points per game to lead the Pistons into playoff contention.
Kareen Abdul-Jabbar was NBA MVP six times. Bill Russell and Michael Jordan won five apiece. James and Wilt Chamberlain each won four MVPs, and Jokic won three times in a four-season span while leading the Denver Nuggets.
Author
Chris Sheridan is a veteran NBA writer who has been covering the league since 1992, with a specialty in international basketball after being credentialed for every Olympics since 1996 in Atlanta. He has been covering sports gambling since 2018.
