NBA MVP Predictions
Is James Harden set to claim his first NBA MVP honor this season, or can someone catch him?
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Harden is the heavy favorite to win the MVP honor, as he is listed with -350 odds. Other short odds to win are LeBron James (+250) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (+1500).
Harden was a close runner-up for this honor last year but lost it to Russell Westbrook, who averaged a triple-double for the season. Harden is the current points leader in the NBA, averaging 31.3 per game. He also ranks second in assists (9.0 pg) and ninth in steals (1.76 pg). Harden is leading the Rockets to the top record in the NBA right now of 44-13.
LeBron James has won this honor four times and it seems possible for a fifth to happen this year if the Cavaliers are able to finish the season strong. They are currently third in the East, 6.5 games out of first place. Should they fight their way to the top of the East before the playoffs, LeBron is likely to be a big reason why. James is averaging 26.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.54 steals per game. LeBron seems to be rejuvenated following the trades the Cavs made, which means we could see him at his best over the second half of the season.
Kyrie Irving is listed with +2000 odds to win the MVP and I think there is definitely some value there. The Celtics find themselves just 2 games out of first in the East and Irving is certainly their leader. He is averaging 24.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5 assists per game. While those numbers don’t pop off the page, he will be credited for the Celtics’ success this season. When Boston started hot, people were already linking Irving to the MVP honor. If the Celtics can get back to that level of play, he certainly will see his odds improve.