Nikola Jokic has been installed as the new betting favorite for the 2021 NBA MVP at multiple sportsbooks. Currently at DraftKings Sportsbook, the Joker’s odds to win the award are set to -110. Jokic is followed by Joel Embiid at +500 and LeBron James at +600.
The huge shift in odds occurred when LeBron James left Saturday’s game with a high ankle sprain and the team announced he’d be out indefinitely.
“Lebron has been the favorite for MVP all along,” Tom Gable, Sportsbook Director of Borgata Sports, said. “He and Joel Embiid have been taking the lion share of the tickets and money in the market here, but Jokic has been lurking for quite some time.”
Gable said the Borgata currently has Jokic at +160 to win MVP, while LeBron is now +600.
Jokic is quietly having an incredible season, averaging 27.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. Denver’s big man also leads the NBA in PER, at 31.78.
You won’t hear complaints from the books if Joker were to win the award.
“People weren't really buying him as a legitimate candidate though,” Gable explained. “It would be a great result for us right now, if he were to win it.”
One name to keep an eye on for MVP is James Harden. The former-MVP is surging up the odds board after a great start with the Brooklyn Nets.
“Obviously James Harden's odds have dropped significantly and there certainly seems to be some support for him out there," the Borgata oddsmaker stated. “He is currently sitting at 10/1 to win MVP.”
The Nuggets currently are in 5th place in the Western Conference, with a 25-17 record. Denver has gone 8-2 over their last ten outings and are starting to finally click as a unit.
With James and Embiid both sidelined, it feels like this award is now Jokic's to lose. But, anytime that seems like the case in the NBA MVP race this season, something crazy happens.