With the NBA regular season in full swing, the betting markets for individual awards are starting to take shape. Some of the biggest stars in the league are cementing their cases for MVP, while rookies and breakout players continue to make waves. Based on BetMGM’s latest insights, we break down the favorites, betting trends, and the most notable risers in each award category.
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Regular Season MVP
- Highest Ticket%: Jayson Tatum 12.15%
- Highest Handle%: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.2%
- Biggest Liability: Victor Wembanyama
- Odds Leader: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander -325
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken over as the odds-on favorite for MVP at -325, leading the league in scoring with 32.5 points per game on nearly 53% shooting while guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference at 37-9. While Jayson Tatum (+20000) leads all players in ticket percentage at 12.15%, Gilgeous-Alexander dominates the handle at 30.2%, indicating significant backing from sharp bettors. The biggest liability in this market is Victor Wembanyama (+25000), as his defensive dominance has drawn longshot bets. Despite Tatum’s well-rounded performance, leading the Boston Celtics in scoring (26.7 PPG), rebounds (9.0 RPG), and assists (5.4 APG), it appears to be SGA’s award to lose.
Rookie of the Year
- Highest Ticket%: Zach Edey 16.1%
- Highest Handle%: Zach Edey 25.3%
- Biggest Liability: Bronny James
- Odds Leader: Kel’el Ware +120
While Zach Edey (+1300) leads both ticket percentage (16.1%) and handle percentage (25.3%), the odds market favors Kel’el Ware (+120). Edey has been one of the most impactful first-year players, ranking second among rookies in rebounding (7.5 RPG) while shooting a rookie-best 58% from the field for the Memphis Grizzlies. However, Ware’s overall impact, particularly on both ends of the floor, has given him the edge in sportsbooks. A surprise in this category is that Bronny James (OTB) is the biggest liability, showing how name recognition alone can drive betting interest. The son of LeBron James has played in just 13 games for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, averaging 3:23 minutes of court time a night.
Most Improved Player of the Year
- Highest Ticket%: Jalen Williams 8.7%
- Highest Handle%: Norman Powell 13.9%
- Biggest Liability: Franz Wagner
- Odds Leader: Cade Cunningham -130
The race for Most Improved Player has been headlined by Cade Cunningham, who currently leads the odds at -130. The Detroit Pistons star is averaging a career-best 25.0 PPG and 9.3 APG, making him the clear frontrunner. Norman Powell (+140), however, is seeing significant betting support with the highest handle percentage (13.9%), as he’s also putting up career numbers with 24 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Jalen Williams (+6500) holds the highest ticket percentage at 8.7%, but Cunningham’s overall leap in production gives him a firm grip on the award for now.
Defensive Player of the Year
- Highest Ticket%: Victor Wembanyama 20.1%
- Highest Handle%: Victor Wembanyama 30.2%
- Biggest Liability: Draymond Green
- Odds Leader: Victor Wembanyama -900
It’s hard to see anyone but Victor Wembanyama winning Defensive Player of the Year, as he is dominating the odds at -900. He leads the NBA in blocks per game (3.9) while putting up 1.1 steals per game. He also leads the San Antonio Spurs in scoring (24.4 PPG) and rebounding (10.4 RPG), further showcasing his all-around dominance. Wembanyama holds the highest ticket (20.1%) and handle percentage (30.2%), leaving little doubt about his defensive impact. The biggest liability in this market is Draymond Green (OTB), but this is clearly Wembanyama’s award to lose, barring a major late-season surge from another candidate.
Sixth Man of the Year
- Highest Ticket%: Payton Pritchard 12.9%
- Highest Handle%: Payton Pritchard 14.0%
- Biggest Liability: Payton Pritchard
- Odds Leader: Payton Pritchard -165
Payton Pritchard has emerged as the top betting favorite for Sixth Man of the Year (-165), leading Boston’s second unit with 14.0 points per game on 46% shooting. He has played all 48 games off the bench, making him the most reliable contributor for a Celtics team that holds the second-best record (33-15) in the Eastern Conference. Pritchard also leads all players in ticket percentage (12.9%), handle percentage (14.0%), and is the biggest liability in this market. With Boston looking like a championship contender, Pritchard’s role remains crucial, and he is currently the clear frontrunner for this award.
Coach of the Year
- Highest Ticket%: Mike Budenholzer 15.2%
- Highest Handle%: Kenny Atkinson 31.1%
- Biggest Liability: Kenny Atkinson
- Odds Leader: Kenny Atkinson -350
The Cleveland Cavaliers own the best record in the NBA at 38-9, and Kenny Atkinson has taken over as the betting favorite for Coach of the Year (-350). Atkinson holds the highest handle percentage (31.1%) and is also the biggest liability in the market. While Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns leads in ticket percentage at 15.2%, Atkinson’s impact on the Cavaliers’ rise to dominance has been undeniable. If Cleveland continues to hold the league’s top record, it’s hard to see anyone surpassing Atkinson in this race.
As the NBA season progresses, the betting markets for individual awards continue to shift. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is solidifying his case as the MVP frontrunner, while Victor Wembanyama looks like a lock for Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham is leading the charge for Most Improved Player, and Payton Pritchard remains a strong favorite for Sixth Man of the Year. Keep an eye on these races as the season unfolds, as late-season surges and injuries could create significant movement in the odds.
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