3 Dark Horse Candidates to Win NBA Finals MVP
We are well into the first round of the NBA Playoffs, which means we’re just a few weeks away from crowning the 2021 NBA Champion.
With the Finals just around the corner, WynnBET has released odds to be named this year’s NBA Finals MVP. The usual suspects are at the top of the odds list including Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LeBron James, but what about some dark horses?
All it takes is one good series from a player the snag the award, and there are a few good value bets to consider for this year’s edition of the playoffs.
James Harden +900
This is the best value bet on the board. The Nets are the odds on favorite to win the NBA Championship, and Kevin Durant is currently set as the +350 favorite to be named Finals MVP, but James Harden could certainly make a case for it.
The former Houston Rocket has averaged 24.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 10.8 assists in the NBA’s regular season, and seemed to run the Nets offense, especially in Durant’s absence.
In a team that’s filled with superstars, why not take a shot at Harden at +900 or Kyrie Irving at +1000?
Durant was named Finals MVP both in 2017 and 2018 for the Golden State Warriors, but strong performances from Harden or Irving this year could prevent him from winning a third.
Luka Doncic +1700
Luka Doncic is one of the best young players in the NBA, and he seemingly turns it on when it’s time for the playoffs. In just seven career playoff games, Doncic has three triple doubles. In Game 1 against the Clippers, he put up 31 points while also recording 10 rebounds and 11 assists.
The biggest deterrent in betting on Doncic to be named Finals MVP, is that his path to the championship series will be a tough one. While a 1-0 series lead against the Clippers is a good start, the Mavericks would likely have the Utah Jazz waiting for them in the second round and a tough matchup with one of the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers or Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
The Mavericks odds to win the NBA Championship are set at +2250 odds (4.26% implied probability), but if they’re able to pull it off, you can be certain that Doncic will be crowned Finals MVP.
Anthony Davis +2500
If the Lakers successfully repeat as NBA Champions, there are only two options for who will be named Finals MVP: Either LeBron James, or Anthony Davis.
With LeBron’s odds set at +650, why not take a shot at Davis with much longer odds? Davis is able to take over a game if he needs to, and if the Lakers face a team like the Brooklyn Nets in the finals, he may need to carry the bulk of the scoring load against a thin Brooklyn frontcourt.
AD has struggled with injuries this season, appearing in just 36 games, but a healthy Davis is right up there with the best players in the NBA. Taking a shot at him at +2500 may end up being worth it come time for the NBA Finals.