We are still more than two months away from the beginning of the NBA season. That does not mean we can’t start discussing the favorites to win each award.
The most interesting, of course, is the MVP award. Last year’s unanimous MVP, Stephen Curry, could potentially win his third in a row. Kevin Durant with more talent around him than ever before could win his second. LeBron James could awake from his regular season slumber to take back the crown.
But according to Bovada, the favorite to win the 2016-17 MVP award is Russell Westbrook at 2/1 odds. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is now charged with leading the team with Durant gone and an extension signed. But while Westbrook will almost certainly put up huge numbers, it will be difficult for him to win the award without getting a top-three seed.
Westbrook is followed by Curry at 4/1 and James at 5/1. Durant is a 12/1 favorite. The full list follows:
Curry and Durant will likely take some votes from each other. Westbrook and Anthony Davis won’t have top-three seeded team. James will probably take it easy in the regular season, once again.
Kawhi Leonard, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul may have the best value from a betting perspective. They will likely lead top-three seeded teams at high enough usage rates to put up big numbers.
According to Bovada, however, the Brodie is the favorite to win the 2016-17 MVP.
