The 2024-25 NBA season is coming to a close, and with it, the contested races for prestigious awards. Betters are using this moment to measure the major contenders and find the most value amongst the odds. Bovada offers a wide variety of betting lines for these accolades. Let’s dive into the current favorites and potential dark horse candidates for each major award.
View the latest NBA odds at Bovada
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
The MVP race has largely narrowed to two standout performers:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) -5000
Leading the Thunder to the top overall seed in the West, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has posted a career high this season with an astounding 32.8 ppg (points per game) on his way to becoming the MVP favorite. The 7th year Kentucky product is currently –5000 to earn the honor.
Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) +850
Trailing as the runner-up, Jokić currently owns the odds of +850. The three-time MVP winner is seeking to reign again for another season as he has Denver in 3rd place in the West. Despite putting up career highs in points, assists, and rebounds while averaging a triple double, he finds himself as a true underdog candidate to win the award.
Rookie of the Year (ROTY)
This year’s rookie class has produced some eye-catching talent:
Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs) -750
Emerging as the frontrunner, Castle made his way to the starting lineup in early November and has proved himself a standout performer for the Spurs. The Huskies’ talent boasts 14 ppg., placing him squarely ahead in the race at –750 odds.
Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards) +850
The 7-footer has wowed many paying attention to a rather dull season for the Wizards. Situating himself in the running for ROTY, the French forward has established himself as one of the premier young talents in the league as his odds sit at +850.
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
The DPOY competition is a neck-and-neck contest:
Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors) -155
Famous for his defensive impact, Green is the leading candidate with odds of -155. His defensive output is a critical part of the Warriors’ success, and he continues to be a disruptive force for offenses to meet.
Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) +115
Closely behind, Mobley holds odds of +115. Mobley’s size and influence in the paint have been a crucial factor in the Cavaliers output as they sit firmly in first place in the East. As he posts 9.4 rebounds per game and 1.6 blocks per game, installing his name firmly in the DPOY discussion for another year.
Sixth Man of the Year
Recognizing the league’s top-performing bench player:
Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics) -800
Leading the pack with odds at -800, Pritchard’s scoring off the bench has been a substantial development for the Celtics. The 5th year man is seeing over 28 minutes a game and providing north of 14 points each game for the Shamrocks.
Malik Beasley (Detroit Pistons) +500
With odds of +500, Beasley has played a large role in the Pistons’ resurgence. The journeyman is on his 5th team in 9 seasons and is flexing nearly 4 threes per game. As a leader of the second unit, he has cemented himself as a strong candidate.
Most Improved Player (MIP)
Highlighting players who have shown remarkable development:
Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) -230
The current favorite at –230, Cunningham has established himself as the first option for the Pistons. The former number one pick is averaging more than 25 points per game for the first time in his career while also dishing out a career high in assists.
Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks) +130
With odds of +130, Dyson Daniels has shined in his time with the Hawks. The Australian was traded from the Pelicans in the offseason and was thrust into the starting lineup, where he has enjoyed his highest efficiencies in his career.
Betting Insights
When considering wagers on these awards, it’s essential to analyze current form, team dynamics, and remaining schedules. Favorites like Gilgeous-Alexander and Castle have strong cases to take their awards, but potential shifts in performance or other factors of unpredictability could open the door for others to state their cases. Bovada’s real-time odds provide bettors with up-to-date information to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
As the NBA regular season hits endgame, teams are vying for playoff positions as players continue to assert their positions for the individual accolades. Some races appear to be runaways while others are very narrow, and the coming games will hold a heavy impact on the outcomes of the prestigious awards at stake. For bettors, staying up to date on new developments and leveraging Bovada’s extensive betting options allows for an enhanced wagering experience. Always remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the thrilling conclusion of the NBA season.
*Any tips, predictions, or strategies published are entirely the opinion of the author, and are not guaranteed to be correct or result in financial gain. The Author is not an employee of Bovada.
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