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With the 2025-26 NBA season set to begin in just a week, it’s the ideal moment to examine the frontrunners for the league’s top individual honor: the Most Valuable Player award. Last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder captured his first-ever MVP title. Here’s a look at the leading candidates for the 2026 NBA MVP and our pick for the most likely winner.
- What? 2025-26 NBA MVP
- Where? USA
- When? Odds available now. Announced during NBA Playoffs
2026 NBA MVP Odds
Below are the NBA MVP betting odds from three of the best NBA Basketball betting sites.
| NBA MVP |  |  |  |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | +200 | +200 | +154 |
| Nikola Jokic | +285 | +285 | +265 |
| Luka Doncic | +300 | +300 | +380 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | +1000 | +1000 | +1075 |
| Victor Wembanyama | +1100 | +1100 | +1200 |
| Anthony Edwards | +1800 | +1800 | +2300 |
| Kevin Durant | +4500 | +4500 | +6000 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+200)
ChatGPT said:
The defending MVP enters the new season as the favorite at most sportsbooks, but there are several hurdles that could make a repeat challenging. Even last year’s win carried some debate, as Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double average and outshined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in multiple areas outside of scoring. Oklahoma City’s impressive 68-win season certainly bolstered Shai’s case, especially with the Nuggets struggling.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, the gap between the Thunder and the league’s other top teams is expected to narrow. It’s difficult to envision Oklahoma City surpassing last year’s record, which means the focus will likely shift back to broader statistical contributions. While Shai remains the league’s top scorer, relying on points alone may not be enough to secure back-to-back MVP honors, particularly when other contenders influence the game across multiple facets.
Niklola Jokic (+285)
ChatGPT said:
Nikola Jokic presents strong value as a contender for the MVP this season. Last year, he cemented his place in history alongside Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook by averaging a triple-double over the full campaign. With at least nine assists per game in each of the past three seasons, Jokic is well-positioned to put together yet another remarkable year. The Nuggets have also bolstered their roster, adding sharpshooter Cameron Johnson and reuniting with dynamic cutter Bruce Brown Jr., giving Jokic even more opportunities to highlight his elite playmaking skills.
In terms of scoring, Jokic trailed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by just over three points per game while shooting more efficiently from both the field and three-point range. His 29.6 points per contest ranked third in the NBA. Since Jokic’s production doesn’t rely on raw athleticism, he’s unlikely to experience any decline, setting the stage for another outstanding season. By the end of 2025-26, he should be firmly in contention for a fourth MVP award.
Luka Doncic (+300)
Luka Dončić has been a statistical powerhouse in the NBA for years, but last season fell short of his career peak. The Slovenian superstar averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, a dip from his last full season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he posted 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per contest. While he enters the new season in excellent shape and arguably entering his prime, his MVP chances could be hampered by his move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The current roster construction presents notable defensive weaknesses, and even with Deandre Ayton added inside, it’s unclear if the team can consistently compete with other MVP-contending squads. Additionally, his supporting cast features LeBron James and Austin Reaves, both of whom excel with the ball in their hands. That dynamic could limit Dončić’s touches, potentially preventing him from posting the kind of dominant numbers typically required to capture the MVP award.
2026 NBA MVP Betting Pick: Victor Wembanyama (+1200)
One player with the upside to post MVP-worthy numbers is San Antonio Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama. In just his second season, he increased his scoring to 24.3 points per game while becoming more efficient in nearly every aspect of his game. This year, he benefits from a deep point guard rotation featuring De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and rookie sensation Dylan Harper, which should allow him to focus on scoring. Wembanyama also spent the offseason training with NBA legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett, adding strength and refining his skills. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him exceed 28 points per game, cementing his status as one of the league’s top offensive threats.
What truly sets Wembanyama apart is his defensive impact. Last season, he averaged 3.8 blocks per game—1.4 more than second-place Walker Kessler—making him the premier rim protector in the NBA. If he stays healthy, he’s a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Combine that with the potential to be a top-five scorer and lead the Spurs to 50 wins, and it’s hard to argue against Wembanyama as the league’s top two-way player and a legitimate MVP contender. At the current odds, he’s a bet worth taking.
Check out our MyBookie sportsbook review for more information about this betting site and below, see our partner table of the best options for your NBA MVP bets.
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