2022-23 NBA MVP Odds: Luka Doncic Leads Early NBA MVP Power Rankings
2022-23 NBA MVP Odds: Luka Doncic Leads Early NBA MVP Power Rankings
The 2022-23 NBA season is finally underway, and we’ve seen nearly every NBA team in at least one game of action thus far. We’ve seen NBA stars help lead their teams to victory to start the new season strongly, and even some former MVPs turn back the clock.
Luka Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to a big lead against the Phoenix Suns but eventually fell short. The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid also suffered a loss, but there was against the Boston Celtics. A few of the other top MVP candidates also lost their season opener.
With a new NBA season here, who opens up as early MVP candidates?
NBA MVP Odds
| Odds | Player | Stock Watch | Implied Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| -2000 | Joel Embiid | Neutral | 95.24% |
| +1200 | Nikola Jokic | Neutral | 7.69% |
| +1400 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Neutral | 6.67% |
| +50000 | Jayson Tatum | Neutral | 0.2% |
| +50000 | Luka Doncic | Neutral | 0.2% |
NBA MVP Power Rankings
1. Luka Doncic (+450) (Bet $100 to Collect $550)
Doncic is the youngest player in the power rankings right now, and he’s on top of the power rankings. This is for a reason. Doncic has the ability to put up absurd stat lines. For example, in the Mavericks season opener, Doncic put up 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. If he averaged anywhere near that stat line, Doncic would be the unanimous MVP. Doncic could very well average around the ballpark of 30 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, and 7 assists per game. As long as the Mavericks land a top-four seed, Doncic should be near the top of the power rankings. His Western Conference Finals run from last year also gives him the benefit of the doubt early this season.
2. Joel Embiid (+650) (Bet $100 to Collect $750)
In the 76ers first game, Joel Embiid put a stat line of 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists together. He also finished with an incredible, near-MVP season last season. With the momentum riding from last season, James Harden healthy, and Tyrese Maxey gearing up for a breakout season, Embiid’s chances are elevated to come away with the MVP win this year. He’ll have the counting stats, he just needs his team to dominate in the regular season, which isn’t far-fetched if they’re healthy.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (+750) (Bet $100 to Collect $850)
At this time, Giannis is the only player on this list that has yet to play, and his first matchup will come against Joel Embiid, who sits one spot above him on this list. If he can outplay Embiid and put together a monster game in the Milwaukee Bucks’ season opener, he can easily take over Embiid’s spot on these power rankings. He’s won two MVPs, a Finals MVP, and a championship in the last five seasons. We know what he is capable of, and his resume does more than speaks for itself. Definitely, a player to watch stay in the top 3 this season.
4. Kevin Durant (+1000) (Bet $100 to Collect $1100)
In his season opener with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant put together 32 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks. He was doing everything in his power to come away with the win, but the new-look Nets were outmatched by the New Orleans Pelicans, who are due for a leap this season. A former MVP himself, we know Durant is more than capable of carrying his team and winning the award, but that was seven years ago. If Durant wins the MVP, it will be one of the most impressive I’ve been able to witness after his injury history and wear and tear on his body.
5. Nikola Jokic (+1100) (Bet $100 to Collect $1200)
The back-to-back MVP has to be on the list, even if he’s fifth. Honestly, Jokic could put together a better season than his last because his team will be healthy, and if they remain that way, they will be one of the better teams in the Western Conference. Their team may be at its peak in terms of roster talent, so Jokic could try and maximize the talent they have to lead the team to a great regular season, which should leave him with the possibility of winning the award.