A lot of people think that Nikola Jokić wasn’t supposed to win the NBA MVP title last season—his third consecutive year. Joel Embiid of the 76ers was named the team’s center for the 2022–2023 season, but Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ended up winning the Finals MVP award and the team’s first championship in team history. His numbers during the first four weeks of the season have improved his odds at the sportsbooks, and he started this season as the slight favorite to win the award for the third time in four years.

Jokić Is Expected To Take Home Another NBA MVP Title

Even without their best player, guard Jamal Murray, since November 4th, the Nuggets have emerged as one of the NBA’s best teams thus far. With a 10-4 record, they are tied with the Bucks and 76ers in the East and sit one game behind the Timberwolves for the top spot in the Western Conference.

Naturally, a significant portion of the success can be attributed to Jokić and his impressive statistical performance, positioning him for what could be the finest season of his remarkable career. He is averaging 27.4 points per game through the first 14 games, which, if he keeps up this pace, would be his career high. While his assist totals (8.7 per) are “down” slightly from the previous season, his 13.1 rebound average has him atop the league in that area.

Jokić is currently by himself, according to the odds board at BetOnline. He is the clear favorite to win the NBA MVP award, coming in with a classification of +175. Luka Dončić, the guard for the Mavericks, is the next player listed, but he is coming in at a relatively distant +550. At +750, Embiid completes the top three.

Because of the length of the season, certain players’ MVP odds will undoubtedly fluctuate. When a player is up for an award, team performance always helps their case. As long as Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to produce the kind of numbers we have come to expect from them, they should be in the running.

Anthony Edwards might be one of the better value picks available right now. The Timberwolves are the best team in the West, and in the wide open conference, it is feasible that they will finish in the top three even if it is unlikely. Edwards’ +2500 ranking may have significant worth if he continues on his present path and his team performs in the top five in the NBA during the regular season.