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Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is the present frontrunner within the MVP race with -145 odds. (Photograph by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
- After struggling a hamstring harm, Brooklyn Nets star James Harden is now third within the MVP odds
- Joel Embiid, who simply returned from harm, has surpassed the Beard and now sits at +450
- Is Nikola Jokic the clear-cut favourite or does Embiid, Harden, or one other longshot supply worth? Learn beneath
With simply over two months left within the NBA season, the MVP race is heating up. Nevertheless, it’s taken a number of hits, with the likes of LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and now, James Harden getting harm.
In the meantime, Denver Nuggets famous person Nikola Jokic has stayed wholesome and led his group to a 31-18 report, good for fourth within the Western Convention. The Serb is presently the frontrunner to win the distinguished award, however can he fend off Embiid and Harden?
NBA MVP Odds
| Participant | Odds at FanDuel |
|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic | -145 |
| Joel Embiid | +450 |
| James Harden | +700 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | +800 |
| Damian Lillard | +1400 |
| LeBron James | +1400 |
| Luka Doncic | +1800 |
| Kawhi Leonard | +7000 |
Odds as of April sixth
On March twenty ninth, Embiid was at +600 odds. Jokic continues to shorten, going from -118 simply over every week in the past to -145 presently.
Can Harden Keep in The Race?
It’s no secret that Harden is among the sole causes Brooklyn continues to win basketball video games, regardless of the prolonged absence of Kevin Durant. Kyrie Irving has additionally missed time on account of varied off-court points, leaving the previous Rockets star to hold the load.
Sadly, he and KD have basically switched locations. Durant is predicted to lastly return to the courtroom for the primary time in virtually two months, whereas Harden goes on the shelf for at least 10 days with a hamstring harm of his personal. It doesn’t appear to be severe at this level, however it might harm his MVP possibilities.
With Durant again within the lineup, there might be fewer touches. Harden’s playmaking skills will nonetheless be key to the Nets, as he’s averaging over 11 dimes per contest, however the scoring alternatives received’t be there on the similar charge. When Harden performed alongside Durant, he averaged 23 factors per sport in 14 appearances. In 20 video games with out him? The Beard averaged 28.
Since buying Harden from Houston, Brooklyn has gone 26-7. Evidently, his presence has been closely felt as they surge up the Jap Convention standings. However Durant’s arrival will not be excellent news for Harden’s MVP hopes.
Time Off May Harm Embiid
Embiid has performed simply twice since coming back from a knee problem and was in pole place to win MVP earlier than getting harm. He’s performed in 33 of Philly’s 51 video games and if the massive man options within the remaining 22 contests, that may imply Embiid performs simply 55 instances.
Just one MVP ever has performed fewer video games (49) and received the award and that was Karl Malone within the lockout-shortened 1998-1999 marketing campaign. Regardless of Embiid’s dominance this season with averages of 29.8 factors, 11.3 rebounds, and three.2 assists, it going to be powerful to make up for misplaced time when the Joker is exhibiting out on a nightly foundation.
Jokic Main The Method
Jokic continues to show why he’s deserving of profitable his first-ever MVP award. The Nuggets’ middle hasn’t missed a sport all season whereas averaging 26.3 factors, 11 boards, and eight.6 assists.
Jokic is arguably probably the most well-versed huge within the affiliation. The 26-year-old can be taking pictures over 40% from downtown and near 60% from the sphere. What separates Jokic is his means to facilitate. Right here’s clear proof:
Nikola Jokic recorded his 81st profession 10-assist sport on Sunday, passing Wilt Chamberlain for probably the most by a middle in NBA historical past.
He had 12 assists within the 2nd half, tied for the 2nd-most in any half this season and tied for probably the most in any half in his profession.
H/T @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/ySStc3OqYs
— ESPN Stats & Data (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 5, 2021
Producing is one factor, however staying wholesome all through the course of a complete season is extraordinarily essential within the MVP race. Jokic has achieved simply that to date. It’s no shock he’s operating away as the favourite.
Dame Time
Portland Path Blazers star Damian Lillard is a little bit of a longshot within the sportsbooks, however he’s positively within the dialog. Dame is the NBA’s second-leading scorer with 29.8 factors per sport whereas additionally doling out 7.8 dimes. Lillard has been an enormous motive the Blazers have remained within the playoff race whereas CJ McCollum missed substantial time with a foot harm.
He was additionally second in NBA.com’s latest MVP ladder, main his group to a four-game profitable streak on the tail finish of March.
Jokic is Finest Wager Presently
Jokic’s numbers have been down barely over his final 4 video games, averaging round simply 20 factors. However, he’s nonetheless making an impression on the glass and as a distributor and it’s solely a matter of time till Jokic finds his scoring contact once more.
I don’t see Embiid catching the Joker given the variety of video games he missed, whereas Harden received’t have the liberty to attain at will with Durant again.
Choose: Nikola Jokic (-145)
This text comprises hyperlinks to exterior sports activities betting providers. SBD could obtain promoting income from these hyperlinks, nonetheless editorial has hand-picked every particular person hyperlink primarily based on relevance to the article, with out affect on the protection.
Quinn Allen is a sports activities journalist, with a background and schooling in broadcast journalism (BCIT ’17). He writes about European Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball for quite a few websites throughout the globe.
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