NBA MVP Odds 2025-26: Who is the Favorite?
Nobody has won the NBA MVP award four times since LeBron James did it in the 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12, and 2012-13 seasons. That feat could be possible this season, as Nikola Jokic enters most sportsbooks as the favorite. Closely behind him is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jokic previously won the award in the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24 seasons. Here’s a look at the 2025–26 NBA MVP award odds at ESPN BET Ohio and other top Ohio sportsbooks.
Nikola Jokic | +200 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | +250 |
Luka Doncic | +650 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | +900 |
Anthony Edwards | +1500 |
Every first-team All-NBA player is considered, and a key factor in the MVP race can be which team overachieves the most. Cleveland fans keeping an eye on Cavs odds might be tempted to wager on Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley, both listed as longshots on the board ahead of the season.
When Is the MVP Announced for the NBA?
After the regular season concludes, the league office decides which order to announce the awards, depending on player availability. Ideally, they announce the MVP last. But if that player is knocked out in the first round, the NBA MVP is announced in early May rather than late May.
Who Votes for NBA MVP?
The NBA MVP is selected by a panel of 100 national broadcasters and writers. Each panelist submits a ballot listing their top five choices, with points awarded based on where a player ranks. Prior to the 1979–80 season, the MVP was determined by a vote among NBA players.
Where Can I Bet on NBA Most Valuable Player?
All of the major sportsbooks list NBA MVP odds, including BetMGM Ohio, Caesars, DraftKings and ESPN Bet. Sports betting is legal in Ohio and in the neighboring state of Kentucky, which will impact the odds for Cleveland teams from time to time. If the Cavs continue to play well, Donovan Mitchell for MVP, Evan Mobley for Defensive Player of the Year, and De'Andre Hunter for Sixth Man of the Year, will draw considerable action in Ohio. A former member of the Cleveland Cavs, who you may have heard of, LeBron James, is also on the board for Most Valuable Player.
Who Will Win the NBA MVP?
Last season, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the NBA MVP award for 2024-25, winning the prize with 71 out of 100 first-place votes. Nikola Jokic was second, with 29 first-place votes. Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the favorites to win again this season, along with Nikola Jokic.
NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Who is the Favorite?
Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs, and Ace Bailey of the Utah Jazz lead the Rookie of the Year odds boards.
Who Won Rookie of the Year, NBA 2025?
Last season, Stephon Castle was the overwhelming favorite and claimed the award, earning 92 out of 100 first-place votes to become Rookie of the Year for 2024–25. Castle averaged 14.7 points for the San Antonio Spurs to lead all rookies in points.
NBA DPOY Odds: Who is the Favorite?
There are several players to watch this season, but Evan Mobley stands out. Last season, he averaged 1.6 blocks per game and was a heavy favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, ultimately taking home the award. He remains one of the favorites this season, with the third-shortest odds. If he continues to dominate down low and challenge anyone driving to the basket, he could very well claim the award again.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year traditionally goes to the defensive player who is at or near the top in blocked shots, but every so often, a terrific on-the-ball defender or a guy who piles up steals gets it. Guards were named the best NBA defensive player five times in six years in the '80s, and Marcus Smart won it in the 2021-22 season.
Who Won the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year?
Evan Mobley claimed the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, earning 35 out of 100 first-place votes. It was a close race, with Dyson Daniels receiving 25 first-place votes and Draymond Green earning 15. This marks Mobley’s first time winning the award, and with strong odds again this season, it likely won’t be his last.
NBA 6th Man of the Year Odds: Who's the Favorite?
Cleveland Cavaliers’ own D’Andre Hunter has the shortest odds to win the Sixth Man of the Year award this season. He was a contender last season but fell short, earning the third-most votes. Hunter earned recognition for his strong performance coming off the bench, mainly when he was with the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to Cleveland. He is expected to be a key asset off the bench for the Cavaliers this season.
Who Won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year?
To no one's surprise, Payton Pritchard won the Sixth Man of the Year award with 82 first-place votes last season. He led reserve players in points, becoming the fourth Celtics player to win the award. Pritchard has the seventh-shortest odds to win the award this season.
Fantasy Basketball
Want to get in on the action with fantasy basketball this season? BetOhio.com has you covered. We have found some fantastic inspiration for your fantasy basketball team names this season. Be sure to check that page out for regular additions and updates.
NBA Awards Odds FAQs
Kenny Atkinson (-1200) was the heavy favorite to win the NBA Coach of the Year after helping lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to the best record in the NBA, and he won the award with 59 first-place votes, becoming the third coach in franchise history to win it.
Dyson Daniels won the Most Improved Player award in 2025, garnering 44 of 100 first-place votes and beating out Ivica Zubac (23 first-place votes), and Cade Cunningham (15 first-place votes) after averaging 14.1 points per game for the Atlanta Hawks.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the NBA MVP six times. Bill Russell and Michael Jordan each claimed five, while LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain won four apiece. Nikola Jokic is aiming for his fourth MVP this season, hoping to become the first player to achieve that feat since LeBron James.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home the MVP award in the 2024-25 season, garnering 71 of 100 first-place votes. SGA was the favorite for the award for the entire season and claimed it after averaging 32.7 points per game.
Author
Chris Sheridan is a veteran NBA writer who has been covering the league since 1992, with a specialty in international basketball after being credentialed for every Olympics since 1996 in Atlanta. He has been covering sports gambling since 2018.
