NBA MVP Race Heats Up: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Takes the Lead

The NBA season is heating up, and it’s the perfect time to examine the MVP landscape for the regular season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, currently the frontrunner, has overshadowed prior favorite Nikola Jokic, who won the award three times in the last four seasons.

Bill Russell, a Boston Celtics icon, and LeBron James have also secured this honor multiple times, uniquely achieving it in multiple seasons.

Jokic has opened the season with +400 odds but currently stands in the top ranks for points, rebounds, and assists. Here’s a snapshot of the latest MVP odds:

2024-25 NBA MVP Odds:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: -190 (bet $10 to win $15.26 total)
• Nikola Jokic: +165 (bet $10 to win $26.50 total)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
• Jayson Tatum: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)

Is this beginning to shape up as a two-horse race? As of January 13, Jokic’s stats are impressive: 31.2 points (3rd), 13.2 rebounds (3rd), and 9.8 assists (2nd). However, his placement as a favorite has been eclipsed by Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads his team to a phenomenal 32-6 record, second in the league.

Gilgeous-Alexander also ranks third in league scoring (31.4 points per game) and takes a spot as one of the top defenders with 2 steals per game.

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