Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is new betting favourite to win MVP – Basketball Insiders

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 degree of excellence for one more 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 % from the sector, 36 % on threes, and 88.8 % 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

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): -185
2. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): +130
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): +2000
4. Jayson Tatum (Celtics): +3500
5. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): +10,000

Jokic Shut On SGA’s Tail

It seems that Gilgeous-Alexander is now getting the very best crew bump, as a result of so far as particular person statistics are involved, it’s laborious to argue in opposition to 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 % from the sector, 47.3 % from three, and 80.6 % from the free-throw line.

Denver sits at 20-15 for the fourth-best report within the West.

There may 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 Shocking

It’s fairly a shock to see how far behind Giannis Antetokounmpo is within the working.

The 2-time MVP is having an incredible particular person season, averaging 31.6 factors, 11.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks whereas capturing 60.2 % from the sector.

Furthermore, one would have thought Antetokounmpo would have gotten a optimistic bump after a panoramic efficiency within the NBA Cup ultimate to utterly outplay Gilgeous-Alexander and lead Milwaukee to victory over Oklahoma Metropolis.

The Bucks have struggled general this season, sitting at 18-16 and simply 4-5 after profitable the NBA Cup.

Nonetheless, at +2000, it’s unusual to assume Antetokounmpo is to date 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 sport inching nearer to the dimensions of his 7-foot-3 body is the largest purpose why.

By 31 video games, Wembanyama is averaging 25.6 factors, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 4.0 blocks per sport. He’s making an attempt over 9 threes a sport and capturing 35.4 % on these makes an attempt.

Coming in with huge defensive expectations, Wembanyama had the primary 50-point sport of his profession on Nov. 13. He has since adopted it up with two 40-point video games and 5 different video games of at the very least 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 subsequent closest at +1200.

Different Award Odds

Rookie of the 12 months

1. Zach Edey (Grizzlies): +115
2. Alexandre Sarr (Wizards): +300
3. Yves Missi (Pelicans): +650

Sixth Man of the 12 months

1. Payton Pritchard (Celtics): -250
2. De’Andre Hunter (Hawks): +350
3. Amen Thompson (Rockets): +1200

Most Improved Participant

1. Cade Cunningham (Pistons): +200
2. Jalen Johnson (Hawks): +425
3. Tyler Herro (Warmth): +425

Defensive Participant of the 12 months

1. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): -350
2. Evan Mobley (Cavaliers): +1200
3. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies): +1200

Coach of the 12 months

1. Kenny Atkinson (Cavaliers): -275
2. Jamahl Mosley (Magic): +900
3. Taylor Jenkins (Grizzlies): +1200