NBA MVP Watch: James Harden climbs to second behind Nikola Jokic

Accidents are plaguing a variety of NBA stars, and the MVP odds are shifting whereas lots of the favorites maintain the position of spectator.

One ironman, although, continues to be chugging alongside in Nikola Jokic. He hasn’t missed a recreation for the Denver Nuggets, and he has a agency grasp on the NBA MVP award. 

James Harden is climbing up the boards regardless of some current inactivity, however will he catch the Nuggets’ massive man?

In keeping with FOX Bet’s insights, listed here are the 5 MVP favorites, with a breakdown of every candidate’s stats as of Monday morning, current play and what’s on the horizon.

1. Nikola Jokic +125

Per-game stats: Factors: 26.3 (eleventh) | Assists: 8.6 (tied-sixth) | Rebounds: 11.0 (T-Tenth)

The way it’s going: The Nuggets continued rolling by way of the week, rallying on Easter towards the Orlando Magic to win their fifth consecutive contest. Jokic had 12 assists within the second half, ending the sport with 16 whole, together with 17 factors and 9 rebounds. The star middle hasn’t been held under double digits in scoring all season and has performed in all 49 video games for the Nuggets to this point.

What’s up subsequent: The Nuggets hope to remain scorching because the Detroit Pistons come to city on Tuesday. Then a double-dip towards the San Antonio Spurs awaits Wednesday and Friday earlier than they wrap up the week with a recreation towards the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

What persons are saying: “His clutch numbers are a few of the finest within the NBA each season. … To have a middle who’s, like, a flooring common, orchestrating, is certainly a bonus and a profit that we now have.” ⁠— Nuggets head coach Michael Malone

2. James Harden +500

Per-game stats: Factors: 25.9 (twelfth) | Assists: 11.1 (first) | Rebounds: 8.2 (twenty sixth)

The way it’s going: Hamstring tightness has saved Harden out of the Brooklyn Nets‘ lineup the previous two video games, however the star’s MVP odds have really improved through the absence. Previous to blowing out the Houston Rockets on March 31, Harden rattled off a triple-double with 38 factors, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a win towards the Minnesota Timberwolves. That tied his single-season excessive for triple-doubles, with 12, a quantity Harden seems to be like a shoo-in to snap earlier than the season ends.

What’s up subsequent: Harden did not journey with the crew in Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, however head coach Steve Nash indicated that was largely precautionary. Will Harden make his return Monday towards the New York Knicks? If extra relaxation is required, maybe Harden will come again for Wednesday’s conflict towards the New Orleans Pelicans or Saturday’s date with the Los Angeles Lakers.

What persons are saying: “I believe it’s simply warning. If this was a playoff recreation, I’m fairly certain he’d be right here with us.” ⁠— Steve Nash by way of the New York Post

3. Joel Embiid +600

Per-game stats: Factors: 29.8 (second) | Rebounds: 11.3 (tied-eighth)

The way it’s going: Following a prolonged damage absence on account of a bone bruise, Joel Embiid is easing again into the combo with the Philadelphia 76ers. He performed his first recreation in additional than 20 days in Saturday’s win towards the Timberwolves, going toe-to-toe with Karl-Anthony Towns. Embiid put up 24 factors and eight rebounds within the 122-113 win, then sat out a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.

What’s up subsequent: The Sixers are again in motion Tuesday on the Boston Celtics. Then they go to the Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday and Saturday, respectively. It is unlikely Embiid will issue into each video games of that back-to-back, however we’ll see wherein of the 2 video games head coach Doc Rivers chooses to run Embiid.

What persons are saying: “No query he is nonetheless within the combine to win that award. The query is, these final 25, 24 video games, no matter it’s for Philadelphia, are you able to maintain on to the No. 1 spot?” ⁠— Dennis Scott, NBA TV

4. LeBron James +650

Per-game stats: Factors: 25.4 (sixteenth) | Assists: 7.9 (eighth) | Rebounds: 7.9 (T-Thirty second)

The way it’s going: LeBron James continues to be on the mend with an ankle damage, and his MVP odds have taken successful consequently. The Lakers are 3-5 since James went down, and his timetable for return is unclear, in line with head coach Frank Vogel. One factor’s for certain, although: James is itching to get again on the court docket.

What’s up subsequent: A seven-game highway journey for the Lakers continues this week into subsequent, with the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and Nets on faucet by way of Sunday.

What persons are saying: “When you could have LeBron James, he would not care what seed you’re. You may go anyplace and win. … The Lakers may win three of the following 9 video games, they usually’d nonetheless be OK as a result of you realize LeBron James goes to return again for the stretch run.” ⁠— Stephen A. Smith, Sirius XM NBA Radio

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo +1000

Per-game stats: Factors: 28.8 (sixth) | Assists: 6.2 (T-Nineteenth) | Rebounds: 11.4 (seventh)

The way it’s going: Knee soreness saved Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the Milwaukee Bucks‘ lineup for Saturday’s win towards the Sacramento Kings, however indications are it is not too severe. The night prior, Antetokounmpo blew up towards the Portland Trail Blazers for 47 factors on 18-for-21 capturing. So far as different excellent news, Jrue Holiday signed an extension with the Bucks, retaining the core of Giannis, Vacation and Khris Middleton collectively for the foreseeable future.

What’s up subsequent: The Bucks tackle the floundering Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. A fast cease at house takes place Friday towards the Charlotte  Hornets earlier than they hit the highway once more to wrap up the week in Orlando.

What persons are saying: “Simply understanding massive image, wanting [Giannis] to really feel as wholesome and complete and all the pieces as we go ahead … I believe him not taking part in is the clever transfer.” ⁠— Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer

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