Doncic, Antetokounmpo betting favorites to win 2023 NBA MVP

Nikola Jokic is the two-time defending NBA MVP, but history would suggest don’t bet on him for a three-peat. The last player to win three MVPs in a row? Larry Bird, from 1984-86. Almost 40 years ago.

But if not Jokic, then who? Which players are the favorite to grab the MVP trophy? The list starts with Luka Doncic. From our partners at Points Bet, here are the dozen players with the lowest odds to win NBA MVP next season (the odds are how much you would win on a $100 bet).

Luka Doncic +450Giannis Antetokounmpo +600Joel Embiid +600 Nikola Jokic +1000Kevin Durant +1000Stephen Curry +1000Jayson Tatum +1200Ja Morant +1400Devin Booker +2200Kawhi Leonard +2500Trae Young +2500LeBron James +2500

It’s not surprising that Doncic is the odds-on favorite. He’s an elite player whose team just lost their No. 2 shot creator — his load just got heavier and his counting stats likely will up. If he comes into the season in shape and ready to play, he has a legitimate shot.

If not Doncic, my money would be on Joel Embiid, who has finished second to Jokic each of the past two seasons and should be in the mix again. Even if James Harden is healthy and taking on some of the scoring load, and Tyrese Maxey takes a step forward, Embiid will put up efficient offensive numbers and be a defensive anchor. He will again be in the mix.

There’s another NBA MVP bet people seem to be leaning into: Zion Williamson, who is +6600 at Points Bet.

#1 most bet on for NBA MVP at @CaesarsSports:

Zion Williamson at 55/1.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 29, 2022

Two bets I would not make: Kevin Durant and LeBron James. It’s not that they are not good enough to win the award or will not have the stats to be in consideration, but both are getting up in age