NBA Finals MVP Odds Update: Chris Paul Takes Top Spot, Giannis Antetokounmpo Falls
The NBA Finals are set to start tomorrow night and WynnBET has updated its odds for the Finals MVP award.
A majority of the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns players have never been on this stage before, so winning Finals MVP on the first try would be a huge accomplishment. Although the teams are small markets, there isn’t a shortage of star power and the winner of this award will get a serious legacy boost.
The main person who will benefit from this is the favorite to win the award, Chris Paul. With odds of +185, Paul has jumped the list and made it all the way to the top. Paul’s ascent has been slow, but escalated quickly after his 41-point, eight-assist, 0-turnover Game 6 against the Clippers.
Paul is on the brink of completing the perfect postseason for his career. The future Hall of Famer has never been to the Finals in his 16-year career. As the Suns have marched on through these playoffs, Paul’s last remaining trophies have gotten closer and closer.
Right behind Paul is his teammate Devin Booker. His odds are set at +250. Booker has been dubbed before as an “empty stats player,” but he’s shown that he is all about winning in his first postseason.
Booker had been the favorite until Paul’s terrific Game 6. While he’s still recovering from a broken nose, he should still be very effective and have his opportunities to prove his Finals MVP stature.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is third on the list, with his odds being a little further back at +550. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined the last two games with a hyperextended knee. Prior to his injury, he had held the crown for top dog on the list but has fallen in the last week.
If he was healthy his odds would be higher, possibly even the favorite. However his status for Game 1 is still unknown, which hurts his odds.
If Giannis is out, his two teammates Khris Middleton (+600) and Jrue Holiday (+1000) will be tasked to pick up the slack. Middleton has had his issues in the playoffs, but will have the ball in his hands a majority of the time. He’ll have all the opportunities to show his skills and prove his case.
Jrue Holiday falls under the same category as Middleton. He’s taken a backseat coming to Milwaukee, but is one of the primary ball handlers for the Bucks. If he’s dictating the action, Holiday could find himself getting votes.
Whichever player comes out on top, it will be a big accomplishment. While dark horses are always fun, this series will be defined by the stars listed above.