NBA MVP Future Bets require reading through all sorts of numbers. A special thanks again to Bovada online sportsbook for being fast on some new shifts in the numbers. Now, the regular season is just a mere couple of weeks away. Yes, the preseason has even started. Naturally, things get rearranged as everyone finds themselves watching the potential of some solid MVP candidates. VegasBetting asks. Is it Ja Morant time?
| NBA MVP Futures |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | +400 | +450 |
| Joel Embiid | +650 | +600 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | +700 | +650 |
| Kevin Durant | +1000 | +900 |
| Nikola Jokic | +1000 | +1000 |
| Jayson Tatum | +1200 | +1200 |
| Ja Morant | +1300 | +1200 |
| Stephen Curry | +1500 | +1600 |
| Lebron James | +1800 | +2000 |
The Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic took home the NBA MVP last year. Some were mildly surprised, but it made a lot of sense. Jokic was a one-man wrecking crew as the Serbian forward guided the Nuggets into the playoffs. His 2021-22 season saw him average 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. Jokic snagged 65 of the 100 first-place votes. So, why not choose him for the NBA MVP Future Bets for the 2022-23 season?
Honestly, it is crazy how rationale changes on players sometimes. It is not as if Jokic will take several steps back this year. This is more the bevy of candidates that could step up to the Serbian’s level and maybe beyond. One thing is for sure. Jokic will not take this lying down; his numbers show little value. It is not often a defending MVP that is around +1000 on several books. Yet, here we are.
So, the talk about a three-peat for Jokic is interesting. There is little doubt that the Nuggets’ forward/center has the talent, the wingspan, and the ability to create points. His creative ability is 59.6 points per 36 minutes which led the NBA last season. It will be a blast to see how Denver improves a bit around Jokic. Can they do it or will the 27-year-old have to carry the Nuggets once more?
Now, NBA MVP Future Bets focuses on the next question? Do we take Nikola Jokic at +1000? Honestly, that is a number to consider, and he is one of our players to make a wager on.
What about Ja Morant in NBA MVP Future Bets? Think about how close the Memphis Grizzlies were to eliminate the Golden State Warriors last year. Yes, other teams can say it, but the Grizzlies and Morant were able to keep close to the Warriors. The argument is that Morant if he can stay healthy, takes that next step this year or next. Memphis is one of those young teams that could truly take flight.
The strangest thing is that Memphis had to fend one of the hottest teams in the Minnesota Timberwolves last year. That took a lot of energy out of the Grizzlies. It did make that second-round matchup that much more difficult with Golden State. Now, Morant’s regular season numbers were excellent last year. The problem was the point guard played just 57 games. He averaged 27.4 points. 5.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.
Morant at 22 broke out in his third season. Even Time Magazine, of all places, knows what may be coming next. Yes, the guard missed about a third of the year in 2021-22. Again, if he stays healthy, could he average nearly 30 points per game in 2022-23? That is possible. Morant is fun to watch, gets players involved, and does not have to rely on constant ISO’s to get his points.
Finally, the one number a few pundits throw out is the Grizzlies’ record without Morant. At one point, they were 20-2 without the All-Star player. Honestly, that means nothing. It was obvious when the guard was not 100% against the Warriors; they suffered in the playoffs. That is how one knew. Morant is such a young player that will only keep getting better. He is our top choice to shock the world in the NBA MVP Future Bets.
The NBA MVP Future Bets welcome an old friend back to the favorites table. Can anyone believe the Dallas Mavericks‘ guard is in this position? For those wondering, Doncic ranges between +400 and +500 and is a very slight favorite over players like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks’ center won the award two years before Jokic.
So, Doncic has been close a few times but has not won the award. That is the strangest part. It is hard to comprehend that the guard is in his age 23 years. Doncic averaged 28.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game in 65 games last season. The knock may have been that 65 total. Unlike Morant, Doncic finished in the top five in the voting last year.
Yes, this was an interesting comparison, but the problem with Doncic is that the guard has zero right now with so many other contenders at better value.
For the NBA MVP Future Bets, taking Doncic even at +450 could be worse, but…
Some MVP candidates to stray away from would have to be Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid. The value is not there for those talented as they are, especially for Embiid right now. If his number lengthens (+600 now), he must be considered.
There are more NBA betting options. Take a look at our NBA Vegas odds.
Furthermore, here are some NBA prop betting lines you can wager on. Good luck, and get out there to bet! The season will be upon us soon enough.
