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Updated Finals MVP Odds Following Celtics Game 1 Win (Al Horford's Odds Surge)

By Reed Wallach

Jun 2, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) reacts after a
Jun 2, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) reacts after a / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Statement made.

The Celtics rallied to outscore the Warriors 40-16 on the road to take Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals. Jayson Tatum may have not had the best scoring night, but also had a game high 13 assists. Al Horford was lights out from 3, negating Stephen Curry's offensive impact from the Warriors. All of that has led to a considerable shift in the Finals MVP market, here are the updated odds from WynnBET Sportsbook:

2022 NBA Finals MVP Odds

  • Jayson Tatum: +135
  • Stephen Curry: +150
  • Jaylen Brown: +600
  • Al Horford: +1100
  • Marcus Smart: +1750
  • Klay Thompson: +5000
  • Draymond Green: +7500
  • Klay Thompson: +7500

Horford's Big Outing Puts Him in Mix for Finals MVP

Horford scored 26 points for the Celtics behind 6-of-9 3-point shooting, playing a key role down the stretch in Boston's victory.

Horford, who was north of 50-1 ahead of the series, is now the fourth choice to win Finals MVP. This comes on the heels of Tatum's poor shooting night, who shot 3-of-17 from the field but also dished out 13 assists in the win.

Tatum is the best player on the team, and despite his poor shooting game is seen as the favorite to win FMVP with the Celtics out to a 1-0 series lead. I see it more likely than not that Tatum outpaces Jaylen Brown, who scored 24 points, but won't clear Tatum by enough to take the narrative away from them.

Horford may still have value as the veteran on the team if Tatum continues to play more of a facilitator role while the Celtics potentially deploy more small ball lineups that have Horford play a floor spacing big man.

Warriors Win, Curry is Finals MVP

As for the Warriors, it's clear that Curry's impact is paramount on the team. He had 6 3's in the first quarter and scored a game high 34 points. For the Dubs to comeback in this series, I expect Curry to be the one that would lift the Finals MVP trophy behind a heroic performance. I agree with the market that the Warriors series odds and Curry's Finals MVP odds are nearly one-to-one.

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!

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