Can anyone challenge James Harden for the NBA MVP award?
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Is this going to be James Harden’s year? It’s shaping up that way.
He’s been the runner up for the NBA Most Valuable Player award in two of the last three years. But this time around he’s 2/7 favourite on the back of a sensational season for the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets have been the best team in the NBA. And Harden’s been their standout performer on the court. He’s posting incredible stats and taken his game to a new level.
But there’s still plenty of basketball left to play. Can anyone overtake him to be crowned MVP? We’ve taken a look at the possible contenders.
LeBron James
You can never count out LeBron. No matter how the odds are stacked against him, he tends to come out on top. But the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar may pay the price for an under-par January. The Cavs actually delivered better performances when he was on the bench.
Despite that, the momentum could still swing in James’ favour. The narrative of the veteran continuing to reign supreme in what could be his final season for his hometown franchise could be too good for voters to ignore. He’s currently 5/2 to win a fifth MVP award.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
There aren’t many more complete players in the league than Giannis Antetokounmpo. He can be dominant at both ends. The 23-year-old sinks plenty of buckets and guards the rim very well.
But playing for the struggling Milwaukee Bucks may hold him back here. Our traders have him as a 18/1 shot.
There’s no doubt the Bucks would be much worse off if it weren’t for the forward. The award tends to go to players at successful teams though.
Steph Curry
Curry was the only player in history to have been crowned the unanimous MVP in 2015-16. He’s having another yet great offensive season this year. He’s as deadly as ever as a three-point shooter. His mere presence opens space for his teammates too.
But the Golden State Warriors aren’t as dominant, which hurts the point guard’s chances. Fellow Warrior Kevin Durant could cut into his votes as well. Curry is 18/1 to win a third MVP crown in four years.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
