Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now the betting favourite to win the NBA’s MVP award.
Having completed runner-up to Nikola Jokic a season in the past, the Canadian has prolonged that stage of excellence for an additional season. Regardless of damage to Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder occupies the highest spot within the West with a 30-5 report coming into play on Wednesday.
In 35 video games this season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.3 factors, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks. He’s additionally capturing 52.4 p.c from the sphere, 36 p.c on threes, and 88.8 p.c on the free-throw line.
The Thunder have made particularly large statements this previous week, beating each the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.
Betting Odds
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): -185
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): +130
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): +2000
Jayson Tatum (Celtics): +3500
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): +10,000
Jokic Shut On SGA’s Tail
It seems that Gilgeous-Alexander is now getting the perfect group bump, as a result of so far as particular person statistics are involved, it’s onerous to argue towards Nikola Jokic.
The three-time MVP winner is averaging 31.5 factors, 13.0 rebounds, 9.7 assists, and 1.7 steals. Jokic’s capturing splits learn 55.3 p.c from the sphere, 47.3 p.c from three, and 80.6 p.c from the free-throw line.
Denver sits at 20-15 for the fourth-best report within the West.
There can also be a case of voter fatigue that Vegas is factoring in with Jokic going for his fourth MVP trophy in 5 years.
Distance From Giannis Stunning
It’s fairly a shock to see how far behind Giannis Antetokounmpo is within the operating.
The 2-time MVP is having an amazing particular person season, averaging 31.6 factors, 11.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks whereas capturing 60.2 p.c from the sphere.
Furthermore, one would have thought Antetokounmpo would have gotten a constructive bump after a wide ranging efficiency within the NBA Cup ultimate to utterly outplay Gilgeous-Alexander and lead Milwaukee to victory over Oklahoma Metropolis.
The Bucks have struggled total this season, sitting at 18-16 and simply 4-5 after profitable the NBA Cup.
Nonetheless, at +2000, it’s unusual to suppose Antetokounmpo is thus far out of body.
Wembanyama Transferring Up The Ladder
One factor that’s evident and deserved is Victor Wembanyama’s stand up the charts.
San Antonio’s menace appears to develop with every passing day, and Wembanyama’s recreation inching nearer to the scale of his 7-foot-3 body is the largest purpose why.
By means of 31 video games, Wembanyama is averaging 25.6 factors, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 4.0 blocks per recreation. He’s making an attempt over 9 threes a recreation and capturing 35.4 p.c on these makes an attempt.
Coming in with large defensive expectations, Wembanyama had the primary 50-point recreation of his profession on Nov. 13. He has since adopted it up with two 40-point video games and 5 different video games of a minimum of 30 factors.
Whereas a distant fifth within the MVP race, Wembanyama is the runaway favourite to win Defensive Participant of the 12 months at -350. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley is the following closest at +1200.
Different Award Odds
Rookie of the 12 months
Zach Edey (Grizzlies): +115
Alexandre Sarr (Wizards): +300
Yves Missi (Pelicans): +650
Sixth Man of the 12 months
Payton Pritchard (Celtics): -250
De’Andre Hunter (Hawks): +350
Amen Thompson (Rockets): +1200
Most Improved Participant
Cade Cunningham (Pistons): +200
Jalen Johnson (Hawks): +425
Tyler Herro (Warmth): +425
Defensive Participant of the 12 months
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): -350
Evan Mobley (Cavaliers): +1200
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies): +1200
Coach of the 12 months
Kenny Atkinson (Cavaliers): -275
Jamahl Mosley (Magic): +900
Taylor Jenkins (Grizzlies): +1200
