Nikola Jokic's Biggest Competition for MVP Revealed
After solidifying himself as the best player in the world, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is the betting odds favorite to win the MVP award next season. Many felt Jokic should have won his third-straight league MVP award this past season, but it ultimately went to Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid. With Jokic favored to reclaim the award next season, the latest betting odds have revealed who is his likeliest challenger.
According to BetMGM's MVP odds, Jokic is +400 to win the award next season, while Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is right behind him at +500. The next closest players are Giannis Antetokounmpo (+550), Joel Embiid (+600), and Jayson Tatum (+900).
Doncic is regularly placed near the top of these lists every summer, and while it makes sense because of the dominant numbers he puts up, the Mavericks have yet to secure a good enough record for their best player to be considered for league MVP. In Doncic's five NBA seasons, the Mavericks have finished no higher than 4th in the Western Conference standings, which makes it difficult for their superstar guard to get serious MVP consideration.
Because Doncic can essentially be penciled in for elite statistical averages, he will likely continue appearing on these MVP betting favorites lists. While the Mavericks will need to win several more games for him to win the award, Doncic does have a chance to be in that conversation.
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