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In what has been a memorable season thus far in the NBA, we’ve still got plenty of action left for the regular season. There are plenty of eyes on the title race, as the battles are heating up for both No. 1 seeds in the Western Conference and Eastern Conference. Having said that, we have seen individual players play out of this world in 2023-24. Having said that, it should be no surprise at all that Nikola Jokic is favored to win the 2024 NBA MVP. Will he do it?
Ever since he arrived in the league, Jokic has been downright sensational. Last season for the Nuggets, Jokic was able to showcase to the world that he’s one of the best players out there. With his great size, he’s a beast in the low post, but he can also knock down shots from all over the hardwood. This makes him a lethal threat and it’s another reason why Denver was able to win the NBA Finals. This could be a year to remember for Denver too.
| NBA MVP odds |  |  |  |
| Jokic to win | -170 | -170 | -170 |
| Doncic to win | +350 | +350 | +350 |
| Antetokounmpo to win | +500 | +500 | +500 |
| Tatum to win | +700 | +700 | +700 |
As of this writing, the Nuggets are one of the top teams in the Western Conference, with Jokic playing at an elite level. The talented playmaker is averaging 26 points and 12.2 rebounds per contest. On top of that, he’s adding 9.2 assists per showing. His ability to pass the ball is fantastic. He’s averaging nearly a triple-double each time he hits the hardwood, which is actually unheard of.
Jokic isn’t the only top talent in the MVP hunt, but he’s without question the top pick for a lot of people. Per the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, Jokic holds -170 NBA betting odds to take home the MVP honors. Other stars in contention include Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum and others. No disrespect to those guys mentioned, but we don’t think they’ll come close to Jokic down the stretch. We’re going with Jokic as our selection.
Nikola Jokic anticipating the defense. pic.twitter.com/21Ww7y03vY
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) March 9, 2024
Jokic has the Nuggets in a prime position to repeat as champions
With the way he has been playing, it’s easy to see why people think Jokic has the Nuggets in a prime position to repeat as champions. Denver stunned just about everyone last season when they captured the NBA Final title. It was a thrilling ending to an incredible season. Now, folks think that Denver could go on to repeat as the champs. That’s not going to be easy, though, and they’re facing some stiff competition.
At the top of the list has to be the Boston Celtics. Boston is not only the best team in the Eastern Conference, but they hold the top record in the NBA as well. Barring a late collapse in the regular season, Boston should capture the No. 1 seed and have home-court advantage throughout the postseason. That will be massive. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are also one of the best duos out there. For Boston to go on a deep run, they’ll need those two to be at their best.
A vintage victory in the Valley ☘️ pic.twitter.com/rsmBtpXnyU
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 11, 2024
“I got a lot of respect for a lot of guys in the league. Giannis (Antetokounmpo) for sure,” Tatum said during a recent interview when discussing top players in the NBA right now. “(Nikola) Jokić, obviously he just won. (Joel) Embiid, guys that won MVPs, and the list goes on. The league is in a great place. I truly do believe every night I step on the floor I’m the best player.”
With that kind of confidence, it’s easy to see why Tatum, Brown and others think they will be the ones to bring home the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Per the oddsmakers, the Celtics hold +250 NBA Finals betting odds, while the Nuggets aren’t too far behind them at +400. Trying to make a pick between these two teams is quite tough. At the end of the day, though, something tells us the Celtics will be the ones to come away with the glory.
Nuggets need more than Nikola Jokic to push for the title
While we do think that Boston can win it all, we’re not going to give up all hope on Denver. Having said that, the Nuggets need more than Nikola Jokic to push for the title. Luckily for Jokic and Denver, he has quite the supporting cast, highlighted by some brilliant shooters. While Jokic is leading this team with his 26 points per outing, Denver has five other players who are scoring in double figures. That’d be Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson.
Obviously that’s massive, as anyone is capable of taking off with the ball in their hands for any given game. We’ve been quite impressed with Porter, as he has really stepped up his game over the past year. The same can be said for Gordon. With so much balance for this Denver team on both ends of the floor, it’s no wonder they won the championship last season. Will these studs help the team do it again once early June gets here? We’ll find out soon enough.
