Who Will Win NBA Awards? Latest Odds and Expert Predictions

2025-11-17 11:00

As someone who’s been following the NBA for over a decade, I’ve always found award season just as thrilling as the playoffs. Every year, debates heat up around who’s going to snag MVP, Rookie of the Year, or Coach of the Year. So, let’s dive into the latest odds and my personal predictions—because honestly, stats don’t always tell the whole story. First off, let’s talk about the MVP race. Right now, Luka Dončić is sitting at +280 odds, with Giannis Antetokounmpo close behind at +320. But here’s the thing: I’ve got a gut feeling about Nikola Jokić. His odds are around +400, and having watched his playmaking this season, I think he’s being undervalued. The guy’s averaging a near triple-double, and his impact on the Nuggets’ offense is just unreal. If you’re looking to place a bet, I’d say Jokić offers the best value, even if the odds aren’t the shortest.

Now, shifting gears a bit, I want to bring in a perspective that’s not just about individual stats but team growth. I recently came across a quote from Marck Espejo, a volleyball star, who said, "As a team, malayo pa. Malayo pa yung kailangan naming marating, pero malayo na rin yung na-improve ng team mula nung nagsama-sama na kami ulit." That resonates so much with the NBA, especially for teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Orlando Magic, who are in rebuilding phases. For instance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a dark horse for MVP with odds around +1200, and his leadership has transformed the Thunder from a 24-win team a couple of years ago to a potential playoff contender. Espejo’s words remind me that awards aren’t just about flashy numbers; they’re about the journey of improvement. When I look at Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama is the obvious favorite at -500, but Chet Holmgren at +600 has shown incredible growth—his team’s cohesion has skyrocketed since he returned from injury, much like Espejo described. I’d argue Holmgren is a smarter bet if you want to capitalize on that underdog energy.

Moving on to the Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert leads with +150 odds, and I get it—he’s a beast in the paint. But let me share a personal take: I’ve always been biased toward versatile defenders. That’s why I’m leaning toward Bam Adebayo at +400. He’s not just blocking shots; he’s switching onto guards and anchoring the Heat’s defense, which has improved their win percentage by about 12% this season. Remember, awards often favor narrative, and Adebayo’s story of lifting a mid-tier team to a top-5 defense could sway voters. Similarly, for Sixth Man of the Year, Malik Monk is the frontrunner at +200, but I’ve got a soft spot for Naz Reid at +800. He’s been clutch in close games, and his energy off the bench has helped the Timberwolves secure at least 10 comeback wins. If you’re following Espejo’s idea of team progress, Reid embodies that incremental improvement—his stats might not pop, but his impact does.

When it comes to Coach of the Year, Mark Daigneault of the Thunder has +300 odds, and I think he’s a lock. Under his guidance, the Thunder have jumped from a 40-win season to potentially 55 wins, which is a massive leap. But here’s where I’ll get a bit controversial: I believe Chris Finch of the Timberwolves at +450 deserves more love. He’s turned a dysfunctional squad into a defensive juggernaut, and that kind of turnaround is exactly what Espejo meant by "malayo na rin yung na-improve"—they’ve come a long way, even if there’s more to achieve. Now, for the Most Improved Player, Tyrese Maxey is the favorite at -400, and it’s hard to argue when he’s boosted his scoring from 20.3 to 26.1 points per game. Personally, I’d throw some money on Coby White at +1200; his assists have doubled, and he’s become the Bulls’ primary playmaker, showing that growth isn’t always linear but can explode with the right opportunity.

As we wrap this up, let’s circle back to the big question: Who will win NBA awards? Based on the latest odds and my own observations, I’m betting on Jokić for MVP, Holmgren as a Rookie of the Year sleeper, and Adebayo for Defensive Player. But beyond the numbers, it’s the stories of team progress, like Espejo highlighted, that make this so compelling. Awards should celebrate not just individual brilliance but the collective journey—how far a team has come and how much further they can go. So, whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, keep an eye on those underdogs; they often deliver the most satisfying wins.