Giannis now odds-on favorite to win second straight NBA MVP award

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was a +175 favorite to win his second straight NBA MVP Award at the beginning of December. In just four weeks, he has risen to a -175 favorite, well ahead of four-time winner LeBron James at +400. The Greek Freak's ultra short odds aren't surprising considering he is averaging 30.5 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game and has led Milwaukee to an NBA best 29-5 record.

Odds to win the 2020 NBA MVP Award

Giannis is a heavy favorite

There is no doubt that Giannis is a worthy favorite to win MVP. However, it is far too early to put such a huge favorite price on one player. The month of December actually was a decline in performance for the Bucks superstar compared to November. Giannis dropped three points per game and one rebound per game from his November averages. Given the possibility of continuing decline and the rise of other superstars, these odds are just too high to take this early in the season. Let us look at some other contenders.

LeBron James is solidly in second place

King James is currently averaging 27.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. In December, James is nearly averaging a triple double at 25.6/8.5/9.9. The Lakers have the second best record in the NBA, behind only the Bucks, and look like the real deal this year. The four-time MVP should not be counted out, and at these odds should be considered for a heavy wager.

No sophomore slump for Luka Doncic

The second year Slovenian guard averaged a triple double in the month of November at 32.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game. Doncic missed nearly five full games in mid-December, and that explains why he finds himself in third place now. The Mavericks are 18-7 with a healthy Doncic, including a 14-point win over the Lakers. Should Doncic stay healthy the rest of the season, these odds will only get shorter, and you should bet on this one now.

Kawhi Leonard is still lurking

Kawhi Leonard has the load management issue, which is clearly affecting his odds to win this award. He has missed nine games already this season as a precaution. However, when he is in the lineup, he is absolutely balling with 25.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. The Clippers have a 19-5 record with Leonard on the floor, and are 4-5 in the nine games when he sits. The intangibles are also a giant factor for consideration. The two-time Finals MVP is at his best in the biggest moments. That was especially evident on Christmas Day, when Leonard scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and led a comeback against the Lakers.

Who's the best bet?

I like all three of these options given how early in the season we are. However, if we can only select one to wager on I am taking Doncic. I believe the Mavs guard will stay healthy throughout the year and will finish the season averaging a triple-double and over 30 points per game. It's a feat that only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook have accomplished, and it will surely earn Doncic some valuable hardware.

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