Westbrook now odds-on favorite for 2017 MVP award
What a difference a couple of weeks make when it comes to 2017 NBA MVP betting.
Not much has changed from a basketball perspective since the last update earlier this month (aside from LeBron doing the expected and re-signing in Cleveland), which had two-time reigning MVP Stephen Curry as the co-favorite with LeBron James. Perhaps, then, wagerers were emboldened by Russell Westbrook's commitment to Oklahoma City, because the Thunder point guard is now the clear-cut favorite, according to Bovada.
18 players have odds of 50-1 or better, as seen below.
| Player | MVP odds |
|---|---|
| Russell Westbrook | 2-1 |
| Stephen Curry | 4-1 |
| LeBron James | 5-1 |
| Kevin Durant | 12-1 |
| Anthony Davis | 16-1 |
| Kawhi Leonard | 16-1 |
| James Harden | 16-1 |
| Paul George | 22-1 |
| Blake Griffin | 28-1 |
| Damian Lillard | 28-1 |
| Kyrie Irving | 33-1 |
| DeMarcus Cousins | 33-1 |
| Chris Paul | 33-1 |
| Carmelo Anthony | 33-1 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 33-1 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 50-1 |
| Draymond Green | 50-1 |
| John Wall | 50-1 |
The best value might be found in 2016 MVP runner-up and two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard at 16-1, while the most surprising name on the list belongs to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who shares the same 33-1 odds as superstars Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, and Carmelo Anthony.
Boston Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas, who said last week his numbers place him among the league's best guards, rounds out the top 20 alongside fellow Eastern Conference All-Star Kyle Lowry, sharing odds of 66-1.
(Courtesy: Bovada)