Doncic, Embiid lead the way in updated preseason NBA MVP odds

Most MVP candidates from last season are at the top of the NBA MVP betting odds 2022-23 once again. The opening night is quickly approaching and bettors are looking for who has the highest chance of winning the NBA MVP award this upcoming season.

NBA MVP betting odds 2022-23

The NBA MVP odds 2023 feature players who have the potential to win the said award given their stellar 2022 campaign, team improvements, and offseason hype.

These players are expected to put up monstrous campaigns again this season. However, it will ultimately depend on if their numbers actually translate to winning.

All odds taken October 14 at FanDuel Sportsbook

Here are the top early NBA MVP candidates this upcoming season.

Luka Doncic, +500

The NBA MVP betting odds 2022-23 have their eyes on Luka Doncic as the early favorite to win the award. At age 23, Doncic is approaching his prime. You can see why he’s the frontrunner on most sports betting sites, especially given the Mavericks’ huge offseason acquisitions of Christian Wood and JaVale McGee.

Doncic had the best season of his career and finished fifth in the MVP race last season—averaging 28.4 points, 9.1. rebounds, 8.7 assists per game on 46% shooting. These are MVP-like numbers already. Expect to see Doncic’s name again in the NBA MVP odds next season.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, +700

As long as the Bucks are contending for the championship, Giannis Antetokounmpo will always be at the top of the current NBA MVP odds. Only turning 28 this year, the two-time MVP is still well in his prime and shows no signs of slowing down.

Antetokounmpo finished third in the MVP race and averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 55% shooting last season. He also led Milwaukee to a third-seed finish in the Eastern Conference. There’s no doubt that he can replicate the same numbers this season while leading the Bucks to the top.

Joel Embiid, +600

Not winning the MVP award in the previous two seasons gives Joel Embiid extra incentive to dominate again this year. Offensively, Embiid is an unstoppable force inside who can also shoot the three-ball well outside.

Last season, Embiid became the first international player to win the NBA scoring title. He averaged 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 50% shooting last season. He also managed to produce 12 games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds and led the Sixers to a fourth-seed finish Eastern Conference. Barring injuries, there’s no doubt that Embiid is a lock in the top three of the NBA MVP race throughout the season.

Nikola Jokic, +1000

It was a tight race in the NBA MVP odds 2022 between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. Ultimately, Jokic won the 2022 MVP award after putting up 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 58% shooting. He also had a Player Efficiency Rating of 32.8 which was the best in NBA history.

The reigning MVP will continue to put up monstrous stats this season while leading the Nuggets to a top-seed finish. However, there’s a possibility of regression due to the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Moreover, there are only three players in NBA history who won three consecutive MVPs—Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Bill Russell. Three-peating is a rare feat.

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Kevin Durant, +1000

When healthy, Kevin Durant is still one of the best scorers in the league. After a drama-filled summer, the Nets successfully held their two superstars together. They also traded James Harden for Ben Simmons at the deadline to address their defensive woes in the backcourt.

In 55 games last season, Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 52% shooting. His offensive game shows no signs of slowing down even at his current age. The only thing that stops him from winning another MVP title is his health.

Back Kevin Durant to win MVP at +1000 with PointsBet

Ja Morant, +1300

Ja Morant is a superstar in the making at a young age. Last season, he averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game on 49% shooting while leading the Grizzlies to a top-two finish in the Western Conference.

Now entering a new season, Morant could take another huge step in his offensive game, especially if he showed improvement in his three-point shooting. This should get his numbers up and get nods for the MVP award. As long as the Grizzlies are contending for the playoffs, Morant should be in the NBA MVP conversation.

Jayson Tatum, +1300

Jayson Tatum is one of the best young superstars in the league. Last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 45% shooting. He’s one of the main reasons why the Celtics finished second in the Eastern Conference last season.

After losing the NBA Finals, expect Tatum to bounce back this season as a much better player. He needs to up his numbers and lead the Ime Udoka-less Celtics to the top if he’s vying for the MVP.

Stephen Curry, +1500

Even at age 34, the current NBA MVP odds still have Stephen Curry at the top. There’s no reason to count the greatest shooter of all time out of the MVP conversation. Last season, Curry averaged 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game on 44% shooting.

Expect Curry to put up similar numbers, if not better. The Warriors are still stacked and can have another championship run this season. Golden State remains at the top of the Western Conference betting to win the conference.

Best bet for NBA MVP odds in 2022-23

Joel Embiid

At his current value of +600, the best bet for the NBA MVP is Joel Embiid. The big man is one of the best offensive centers in the league who can do it all.

He continued to show improvement last season and attempted a career-high 19.6 field goals per game, while also setting career bests in points per game (30.7), assists per game (4.2), and free throws attempted per game (11.8).

Now with a full year alongside James Harden, we’re looking for another monstrous campaign from Embiid. After finishing second in the NBA MVP race for the past two seasons, Embiid should be hungrier and better this season.