NBA
NBA MVP: Who Is the Betting Favorite to Win the Award in 2022?
Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sportscasting in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies. When Jack isn't writing about sports, he's watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He's also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sportscasting with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.
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The All-Star festivities are over, and NBA teams are now gearing up for a late-season push toward the playoffs. Will the Phoenix Suns hold on to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with Chris Paul sidelined? Which team will emerge as the top seed in the loaded Eastern Conference?
These questions will be answered soon enough, as will the question of who will take home the NBA Most Valuable Player trophy in 2022. So, who is the current betting favorite, and are there any valuable bets to be made in the MVP market?
Joel Embiid is the betting favorite to win the NBA MVP
For much of the season, Stephen Curry was the betting favorite to win his third career MVP trophy. The Golden State Warriors got off to a hot start to the year, and Curry jolted to the top of the odds board after breaking the record for the most three-pointers made in league history.
But there’s a new name in the top spot.
As of February 27, Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid is the favorite to win MVP at +115 odds ($100 bet wins $115). Embiid is averaging 29.7 points per game to lead the NBA. He’s also grabbing 11.1 rebounds and dishing out a career-high 4.5 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Without Ben Simmons on the court all season, Embiid has led the Sixers to a 37-23 record through 60 games.
If the 76ers can steal the No. 1 seed in the East before the playoffs, Embiid might be a lock to win the award. But let’s check out the names close to him on the odds board.
2022 NBA MVP odds
Embiid is a hefty favorite to win his first MVP award, but there are plenty of big names capable of catching the 7-footer in the coming weeks. Here’s the full list of MVP candidates who have a chance of winning the award in 2022.
- Joel Embiid +115
- Nikola Jokic +270
- Giannis Antetokounmpo +400
- Steph Curry +1200
- Demar Derozan +1200
- Ja Morant +1500
- Devin Booker +1500
- Luka Doncic +3000
- Kevin Durant +8000
- LeBron James +10000
- Chris Paul +25000
- Jimmy Butler +30000
MVP bets to make right now
Nikola Jokic +270
Embiid’s MVP price has fallen to a point where it probably isn’t worth it to get involved. But at +270, Jokic could be an interesting bet as the second-highest favorite in the market. Not only has the reigning MVP led the Denver Nuggets to a 35-25 record without Jamal Murray, but he’s ahead of Embiid in almost every advanced statistic there is.
And we all know Embiid could land awkwardly one night and miss some action due to a freak injury, which would open the door for Jokic to steal the award.
Luka Doncic +3000
If we’re talking value, Doncic might have the best left on the board. The superstar point guard is nearly averaging a triple-double per game this season, and he could conceivably catch Embiid to win the scoring title. It’s unlikely, but Doncic at 30-to-1 odds could be worth a sprinkle.
All odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 2/27.
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