NBA MVP Betting Odds

nba mvp odds

The NBA MVP odds for the 2025–26 season have already been released, giving bettors an early look at who’s leading the pack. Last season, we tracked the race closely across top-tier NBA betting sites β€”and now, a new group of contenders is emerging.

MVP Winners Odds 2025/26Bovada Sportsbook ReviewMyBookie Sportsbook ReviewBetOnline Sportsbook Review
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander+200+250+250
Nikola Jokic+200+230+250
Giannis Antetokounmpo+700+700+750
Luka Doncic+800+800+850
Anthony Edwards+1000+1000+1100
Victor Wembanyama+1800+1800+2000
Last updated on: August 11, 2025

The 2025/26 NBA MVP betting odds are a hot topic among basketball fans, as they offer bettors the opportunity to follow their favorite players’ progress throughout the season, with a little extra clout in the game.

We have discussed the brilliance of Luka, but he hasn’t won the award before. There are some great options available to bettors looking to bet on the NBA MVP, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo being among the favourites. There may be more to enter the fray as the season wears on. The question is, will any of them be considered for the NBA finals MVP odds for the upcoming season?

We’ll take a look at all NBA playoffs candidates and make some MVP picks based on the current MVP NBA betting odds. As well as that, we’ll provide information on how to bet on NBA finals MVP odds in 2025/26.

Who will be the 2025/26 NBA MVP?

The regular season MVP conversation is already heating up, with three superstars leading the pack ahead of the 2025/26 season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, enters the year with sky-high expectations after a breakout campaign that saw him carry the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference. His all-around game and leadership continue to make him a favorite in the eyes of fans and analysts alike. Nikola JokiΔ‡, a two-time MVP and perennial statistical marvel, remains a dominant force in Denver, consistently posting triple-double performances and anchoring one of the league’s most efficient offenses. Meanwhile, Luka DončiΔ‡ is expected to mount a serious challenge this season, with his scoring, vision, and usage rate keeping Dallas in the spotlight. With all three players at the peak of their powers, the 2025–26 MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years.

NBA MVP Betting Guide Image

Who else could be the 2025/26 NBA finals MVP?

While Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the league’s most dominant players, his team’s inconsistency has pushed him outside the core group of regular season MVP contenders for 2025–26. Victor Wembanyama, despite his immense potential, is also considered an outsider in the MVP race, as the Spurs are not expected to be among the league’s top teams this season. That said, both players offer intriguing upsideβ€”if Milwaukee finds its rhythm or San Antonio exceeds expectations, their star power could turn long-shot MVP bets into surprise wins. For bettors looking beyond the obvious frontrunners, they may still be worth a speculative punt.

How to Read 2025/26 NBA MVP Odds

For bettors who are just learning how to read NBA MVP odds, it’s important to understand that these futures markets are typically displayed with a β€œ+” sign rather than the β€œβ€“β€ used for clear favorites in single-game matchups. The lower the number after the β€œ+”, the stronger the favorite.

Here’s a look at the current top four contenders:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander +200

  • Nikola JokiΔ‡ +230

  • Luka DončiΔ‡ +700

  • Giannis AntetokounmpoΒ  +1000

NBA MVP odds use a β€œ+” format, meaning you win that amount on a $100 bet. The lower the number after the β€œ+”, the more likely the player is to winβ€”so in this case, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite at +200, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is a longer shot at +1000. For example, a $100 bet on Shai would return $300 total ($200 profit), while the same bet on Giannis would return $1,100 total ($1,000 profit).

What is a Futures bet?

These types of bets as they’re described. A bet that is made based on events that will happen later down the line. In the case of the NBA MVP, odds will be displayed on the majority of sportsbook providers from the beginning of the season, with the odds changing as the regular season progresses.

With futures bets, it’s always worth going back to check the MVP odds for the NBA on players as the season unfolds. Oddsmakers will tinker with the odds throughout the season – you can keep track of the odds here!

Why do NBA MVP Odds & Lines Change during the season?

NBA MVP odds fluctuate throughout the season based on player performance, team success, and media narratives. A hot streak, injury, or slump can quickly alter a player’s chances, while team wins or losses can also impact perceptions of a candidate’s value. Additionally, betting volume and public perception can cause shifts in the odds as more people place bets on a particular player.

Why Does the NBA MVP Favorite Have Plus-Odds?

Even the NBA MVP favorite often has plus-odds early in the season because of the unpredictability of the entire season. Injuries, changes in performance, and team dynamics can all affect a player’s chances, meaning sportsbooks are reluctant to offer negative odds until a clear frontrunner has emerged. Plus-odds give bettors a better return on risk while the outcome remains uncertain.

How Does Scoring (PPG) Factor In?

Points per game (PPG) is one of the key metrics that influence MVP voting, as high-scoring players are often seen as the most valuable. While scoring isn’t the only factor, leading the league in PPG can significantly enhance a player’s MVP chances, especially if combined with overall team success. Historically, many MVP winners rank near the top in scoring during their winning seasons.

Which Positions Most Often Win NBA MVP?

Historically, guards and forwards have won the NBA MVP award more frequently than centers. Point guards and small forwards, such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James, dominate recent MVP wins due to their versatility and scoring ability. Centers, while still valuable, have seen fewer MVP wins in recent years, though players like Nikola Jokić have revived the trend.

How Old is the Average NBA MVP Winner?

The average age of an NBA MVP winner is around 27-28 years old. This is typically the period when a player is in their prime, combining peak athletic performance with years of experience. Recent winners like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić have also followed this trend, winning in their mid-to-late 20s.

How Does Team Success (Record) Impact NBA MVP Voting?

Team success is a major factor in NBA MVP voting, as voters often prioritize players who lead their teams to top-tier records. MVP candidates on NBA teams with losing or mediocre records are rarely considered serious contenders, even if their individual statistics are impressive. Typically, MVP winners come from teams finishing in the top few seeds of their conference.

Are Playoff Results a Factor for NBA MVP Voting?

No, playoff results do not factor into the NBA MVP award, as the voting process is completed before the postseason begins. The MVP is strictly a regular-season award, though playoff performance can shape future perceptions of a player’s legacy. Despite this, players who perform well in both the regular season and playoffs often strengthen their case for future MVP campaigns.

NBA Voting Process

The NBA MVP voting process involves a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from across the U.S. and Canada, who rank their top five candidates. Each first-place vote earns a player 10 points, second place earns seven, and so on, with the player accumulating the most points being named MVP. Fan voting does not play a role in determining the MVP.

NBA MVP Voting Weaknesses

One of the primary criticisms of the MVP voting process is its subjectivity, as voters can be influenced by narratives, media hype, and regional bias. Additionally, players on weaker teams often get overlooked, even if their individual performances are stellar. Some also argue that MVP voting tends to favor offensive stats over defensive impact or other less quantifiable aspects of a player’s game.

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