Being considered the best player in the NBA has to be one of the toughest things a player could accomplish. I mean, you have to outplay the best athletes on earth and lead your team to the top of the league.
That's why some of the greatest players in the history of the game have retired without a single MVP award in their trophy cabinet. Either because they were outplayed by another player every year or because they could never make their teams better despite their great numbers.
This upcoming season promises to have one of the closest MVP races we've seen in years. There's no shortage in talent and there are a couple of stars poised to silence their critics. Today, we're going to let you know about the top 5 MVP candidates, according to Las Vegas.
Top 5 NBA MVP Candidates: Updated Odds
* Odds via FanDuel
5. James Harden (+1000 Odds)
You may say whatever you want about James Harden. His work ethic has been questionable lately and he's clearly out of shape, but no one can deny that he's one of the most unstoppable scorers in the history of the league.
Whether he'll finish the season with the Houston Rockets or not is yet to be seen but you better believe he'll play with a chip on his shoulder all year long. He's been putting MVP-caliber numbers for years now.
4. Anthony Davis (+900 Odds)
Anthony Davis has never been at the top of the MVP conversation, mostly because he played for a small market team. Now, he's the Los Angeles Lakers' go-to-guy, a defending champion, and has all the exposure he needs to finally win the award.
Davis is the best two-way big man in the league and one of the best players to ever do it. He can literally do anything on both ends of the floor, and being a Lakers player will always favor your MVP case.
3. Stephen Curry (+850 Odds)
Stephen Curry is going to be under more pressure this season than ever before in his career. He'll be without Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant for a full season and has the responsibility of keeping the Golden State Warriors' dynasty alive.
Curry has already proven that he's a perennial MVP candidate, even becoming the first unanimous winner in the history of the league. Now, he'll have to prove that he's far more than just a shooter.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (+480 Odds)
What are the odds of someone winning three straight MVP awards? Well, according to Las Vegas: +480. Nonetheless, we think it's kind of far-fetched to think that the media will lean towards Giannis Antetokounmpo for a third consecutive season.
Giannis has demonstrated that he can dominate through the regular season but his struggles in the playoffs have taken a toll on his reputation lately. Hopefully, he'll finally be able to lead the Milwaukee Bucks back to the NBA Finals.
1. Luka Doncic (+410 Odds)
There has been a growing narrative since the playoffs that says that Luka Doncic will be heavily-favored by the media to win this year's MVP award. And, judging by the gambling odds, it seems like they're right.
Then again, Doncic has the skills and charisma to win the award without needing a narrative by his side. He's already a bonafide superstar and has the potential to become the best player in the league in no time.
