It’s never too soon to start exploring NBA betting opportunities for the upcoming season. Fans are already placing bets on various categories such as Championship Futures, Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved Player. Additionally, many are wagering on who they believe will claim the MVP title at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder took home the MVP award at the end of the 2024 season after leading his team to a championship victory. The big question now is: who will secure the prestigious regular season MVP award next year?
As of July 17th, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the following odds for the 2025-26 MVP race:
– Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): +200 (a $10 bet could win $30)
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): +250 (a $10 bet could win $35)
– Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): +700 (a $10 bet could win $80)
– Luka Doncic (Lakers): +800 (a $10 bet could win $90)
– Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): +1000 (a $10 bet could win $110)
– Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): +1600 (a $10 bet could win $170)
– Cade Cunningham (Pistons): +3000 (a $10 bet could win $310)
– Jalen Brunson (Knicks): +3500 (a $10 bet could win $360)
– Joel Embiid (76ers): +7000 (a $10 bet could win $710)
– Kevin Durant (Rockets): +8000 (a $10 bet could win $810)
– Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers): +8000 (a $10 bet could win $810)
– Paolo Banchero (Magic): +8000 (a $10 bet could win $810)
– Jalen Brown (Celtics): +10,000 (a $10 bet could win $1,010)
– Anthony Davis (Mavericks): +10,000 (a $10 bet could win $1,010)
– Ja Morant (Grizzlies): +12,000 (a $10 bet could win $1,210)
– LeBron James (Lakers): +15,000 (a $10 bet could win $1,510)
Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, re-enters the MVP conversation with impressive stats from last season including 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He finished second in MVP voting behind Gilgeous-Alexander.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, garnered 71 first-place votes and led the league with 32.7 points per game, becoming just the third player in franchise history to win the MVP, following Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo is third in the odds at +700. Though he didn’t receive first or second-place votes last season, his impressive 30.4 points per game secured him a solid position in the MVP race.
Further down the list, LeBron James is at +15,000 odds as he heads into his 23rd NBA season, with questions lingering about whether he’ll continue as a Laker or move to another team. Last season, LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
Fan Take: This early look into the MVP betting market offers basketball fans a thrilling glimpse into the contenders shaping up for next season. The mix of established stars and emerging talent keeps the sport exciting, promising intense competition and memorable moments ahead.
