NBA MVP Odds 2025: Who was the Favorite?
Nobody has won the NBA MVP award four times since LeBron James (2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013) did it. Yet, it was possible this season as Nikola Jokic attempted to win it while overcoming favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Let's have a look at the NBA MVP award odds at ESPN BET Ohio.
We can start by saying that Gilgeous-Alexander was the current favorite, while defending champion Jokic was almost a distant second. Gilgeous-Alexander vaulted as a heavy favorite due to his amazing season, averaging 32.8 points per game to lead the league. He also was exceptional on defense, ranking second in steals with 1.8 steals per game.
Every first-team All-NBA player is listed, and the differentiator for NBA MVP could be which team overachieves the most. Cleveland fans tracking Cavs odds may feel like wagering on Donovan Mitchell who is on the board as a longshot.
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?
A panel of 100 national broadcasters and NBA writers chooses the winner of the NBA MVP. Last season, Mark Jackson of ESPN left Jokic off his ballot. He no longer works there, nor does Jalen Rose, who had Jokic third. They will be replaced on the voting panel this season, which should not significantly impact anyone's NBA MVP odds to win.
Where Can I Bet on NBA Most Valuable Player?
All of the major sportsbooks list NBA MVP odds, including BetMGM Ohio, Caesars, DraftKings and ESPNBet. Sports gambling 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 and Evan Mobley for Defensive Player 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 on the board for Most Valuable Player.
Who Will Win the NBA MVP 2025?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially won the NBA MVP award for 2025, winning the prize with 71 out of 100 first-place votes. Nikola Jokic was second, with 29 first-place votes.
NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Who was the Favorite?
Stephon Castle emerged as the overwhelming favorite and officially claimed the prize, becoming Rookie of the Year after winning 92 out of 100 first-place votes.
There were some contenders for the throne. However, one showed up consistently and beat out all the rest, including Alexandre Sarr.
Who Won Rookie of the Year, NBA 2025?
Castle emerged as the Rookie of the Year after averaging 14.7 points for the San Antonio Spurs to lead all rookies in points. The future looks bright in San Antonio, with Castle and Victor Wembanyama leading the charge.
NBA DPOY Odds: Who was the Favorite?
There are some players to talk about. However, Evan Mobley stood out, leading the charge with -195 odds and averaging 1.6 blocks per game. He was an incredible force down low and made life miserable for anyone who attempted to drive down the lane for a layup. Mobley was a heavy favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
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 three years ago.
Who Won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year?
Evan Mobley claimed the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award by winning 35 out of 100 first-place votes. It was a tight race, with Dyson Daniels also getting 25 first-place votes, and Draymond Green, who had 15. It marks his first time winning the award.
NBA 6th Man of the Year Odds: Who's the Favorite?
Payton Pritchard was the favorite (-475) to win the 6th Man of the Year award, and it was not difficult to see why. He scored at least 20 points on 20 occasions, including a 29-point explosion against the Chicago Bulls on November 29, 2024. Other contenders included Malik Beasley (+300), De'Andre Hunter (+2000), Ty Jerome (+3500), Russell Westbrook (+3500), and last season's champion, Naz Reid (+6000)
Pritchard took control of the lead early. His work off the bench for the Boston Celtics was exemplary, and his shooting was exceptional from beyond the arc, as he hit 41.6 percent from the three-point line.
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. He led reserve players in points, becoming the fourth Celtics player to win the award.
Fantasy Basketball
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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.
Kareen Abdul-Jabbar was NBA MVP six times. Bill Russell and Michael Jordan won five apiece. James and Wilt Chamberlain each won four MVPs, and Jokic won three times in a four-season span while leading the Denver Nuggets.
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.
