NBA Rookie of the Year, MVP 2020 Odds Update Ahead of Orlando Restart
While the NBA Championship chase looks wide open due to the season restart in Orlando, Florida, the chase for Rookie of the Year and MVP seems decided. As of right now, the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant and Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo are leading in the NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP odds, respectively. However, they do have some competitors on the list and with 22 teams playing eight games in Orlando before playoffs, things could change.
Ja Morant vs. Zion Williamson for NBA Rookie of the Year?
There are only two names to know when it comes to the NBA Rookie of the Year race. They are the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant and New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson. However, due to the fact he was hurt for a good part of the season that was played up until March, Zion wasn’t much of a factor in the discussion.
Ja Morant has been the clear favorite due to that and of course, due to how well he’s played. He’s averaged 17.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.5 boards per game while helping the Grizz maintain the No. 8 spot out West.
Meanwhile, Zion seems to be gaining attention again ahead of the league’s return. He’ll try to help get the Pelicans into that final spot when they resume action on July 31 against the Utah Jazz.
Right now, Morant is a big favorite at -3500 while Zion is a +900 longshot, according to Bovada. Bettors who feel Zion will do enough in Orlando to overtake Ja might consider the risk, but for the most part, Ja has been the one leading the way.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is still MVP leader
Right now, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Greek Freak leads all contenders for NBA Most Valuable Player. The Sports Action Network had him listed as an overwhelming favorite based on PointsBet and FanDuel odds. Giannis has helped the Bucks achieve the league’s best record prior to the suspended season and has the Bucks second overall for NBA title odds heading to Orlando.
His next closest competitor is the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James. King James and the Lakers lead the NBA championship odds as well. Former MVP, James Harden comes in third overall, while two players who have never won, Kawhi Leonard and Luka Doncic, round out the top five.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo -5000 -2400
- LeBron James +1200 +1100
- James Harden +8000 +8000
- Kawhi Leonard +8000 +9500
- Luka Doncic +8000 +8000
- Anthony Davis +15000 +10000
- Nikola Jokic +20000 +10000
- Damian Lillard +20000 +10000
- Russell Westbrook N/A +10000
As seen above, there are several longshots including former MVP Russell Westbrook and the recent NBA 2K21 cover star Damian Lillard. All of the players on the list above should be involved in the games in Orlando when the NBA season resumes this month. Could a good showing by someone besides Giannis boost their chances?
Of course, a lot is still unknown, including how the NBA will decide their awards for a season that was suspended back in March due to the pandemic.
