Germantas Kneita
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The NBA MVP race was very tightly contested with 3 international big men competing for the crown right till the very end. Nikola Jokic emerged as the winner for the second time in his career but things could be much different this season. With no clear favorite to win the MVP crown this season, this years race should be one of the most tightly contested to date.
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2022-23 NBA MVP betting odds and favorites
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Luka Doncic: +500
Joel Embiid: +600
Giannis Antetokounmpo: +700
Nikola Jokic: +1000
Kevin Durant: +1000
Ja Morant:+1300
2023 NBA MVP winner best bet: Joel Embiid (+600)
Over the last 2 seasons Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has come agonizingly short of being named the NBA’s MVP. After twice being the runner-up, we could be finally set to see Embiid claim the honor. The 76ers have built a team that plays to the center’s strengths. The introduction of James Harden in place of Ben Simmons should give him more space in the paint. Once the pair develop their chemistry further, we could see Harden helping Embiid put together the best offensive season of his career. After all, Harden is still one of the league’s elite playmakers. With the 76ers bound to be challenging for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, Embiid should be set to put together a strong case once more.
Looking at the other top contenders, Nikola Jokic should struggle to replicate his MVP-winning form. What helped the case for Jokic last season is the fact that he was able to carry a injury-depleted Denver Nuggets squad into the playoffs. With Jamaal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. seemingly coming back, Jokic will carry a lighter load. That is something which will hinder his case. The current favorite to win the trophy is Luka Doncic, who will undoubtedly have to put the Mavericks on his back this season. But in a competitive Western Conference, the Mavericks have to settle for a play-in spot. That could reflect negatively on Doncic.
Another player who will likely make a strong case once again is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former MVP has been able to put up dominant numbers in the past and looks set to do so once more this season. However, the Bucks are a team with championship pedigree and they will feel that if health had permitted they could have played in the NBA finals last season. As a result do not be surprised to see them load-managing their stars from the beginning of the year. When the margins separating the leading MVP contenders are so thin, these types of factors could end up playing a part.
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2023 NBA MVP winner best long-shot bet: Zion Williamson (+2500)
The New Orleans Pelicans have done a fantastic job of building up their roster. With the acquisition of CJ McCollum and drafting of young role players such as Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado, the team is set to leap up the standings. It would not be a shock to see them break into the top 4 in the West. That would likely be largely credited to the return of Zion Williamson, at least by the media.
It is easy to forget that the last time we saw Williamson on an NBA floor in 2020 he averaged 27 points per game on better than 61% shooting from the field. By all accounts, he is in the best shape of his career heading into this season. If he can leverage that into scoring closer to 30 points per night coupled with team success, there should be plenty of momentum for Zion to claim the MVP crown. Ja Morant was in a similar position last season with the Grizzlies. That was until he got hurt and the team played better without him. If Williamson can stay healthy, he should be able to avoid a similar fate. He is worth consideration at this price.
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