by Ben Perks
After two games of every series in Round 2 of the NBA playoffs, Vegas oddsmakers have made Devin Booker the new NBA Finals MVP favorite.
The Phoenix Suns guard has helped his team to a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks – an impressive feat considering Luka Doncic has averaged 40 points a game for the Mavs.
View the latest Finals MVP odds to see the top candidates for this prestigious award.
NBA Finals MVP Winner Odds
| Player | Odds | Devin Booker | +460 |
|---|---|
| Steph Curry | +500 |
| Chris Paul | +600 |
| Jimmy Butler | +600 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | +750 |
| Jayson Tatum | +750 |
| Jaylen Brown | +2100 |
| Ja Morant | +2200 |
| Joel Embiid | +2500 |
| Bam Adebayo | +3000 |
| Jordan Poole | +3300 |
Booker Shining for the Suns
Online sportsbook MyBookie had Devin Booker at +700 odds to win the NBA Finals MVP award before Round 2 of the playoffs. However, Vegas oddsmakers have slashed his odds to +460 after the first two games.
NBA betting sites had given him longer odds before the second round because of doubts surrounding his fitness after picking up a hamstring injury in Game 2 against the Pelicans. Yet he seems to have fully recovered.
Against the Mavs on Tuesday, Booker put up nine first-half points before erupting to score 21 in the second. The former Kentucky Wildcats player was ruthless behind the arc, bringing home 5-for-8.
The former Kentucky Wildcats player was ruthless behind the arc, bringing home 5-for-8.
Just below him in the odds table is backcourt teammate Chris Paul at +600. The 36-year-old has rightfully earned the “Mr. Fourth Quarter” tag after scoring and assisting for Phoenix’s first 19 points in the final frame to turn a close game into a 20-point blowout (129-109).
In the Eastern Conference, Jimmy Butler has also been in fine form to lead top seed Miami Heat to a 2-0 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Butler has shone for the Heat to help soften the blow of missing Kyle Lowry for the last four games, getting 22 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds against Philadelphia in Game 2 of the second-round series.
From his last six games, Butler is averaging 26.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and shooting 50.9% from the field.
MVP Finals MVP: Top Contenders
Is a rock-solid Celtics defense to blame for Giannis Antetokounmpo being at +750 to win NBA Finals MVP?
Probably. But despite playing against one of the best defensive teams in the league, Antetokounmpo is still averaging 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 9.5 assists against Boston.
…considering his track record of coming to life in the playoffs, the Greek Freak represents good futures betting value.
Yet he has fallen short with his shooting which stands at 38.4% from the field.
But considering his track record of coming to life in the playoffs, the Greek Freak represents good futures betting value.
If you’re looking for a bigger payout, Joel Embiid is at +2500. The Sixers are slipping, but if Embiid’s return in Game 3 helps them turn it around against the Heat, Vegas oddsmakers will slash his odds.
The Cameroonian is dealing with a fractured orbital bone suffered in the Round 1 series clincher against the Raptors. Before this injury, he already had a torn ligament in his thumb. But as he’s a tough cookie, he could still perform well in Game 3.
Never Rule Out Curry
Steph Curry began Round 2 as the NBA Finals MVP favorite at +440 odds – but now sits just behind Booker at +500. Despite destroying the Nuggets in the opening round and beating Memphis in Game 1 of the second round, the Warriors lost against the Grizzlies in Game 2 (106-101).
For this reason, Vegas oddsmakers have replaced him with Booker at the top. Yet as many expect him to come out firing in the next game against Memphis, maybe it’s a good time to place some action on Curry.
View our odds calculator page to learn how how to remove the vig (juice) from sports bets and calculate potential returns.
Ben is a sports journalist & part-time trader with a passion for finding +EV bets. Ben lives in Madrid, Spain where he enjoys the live poker scene, and sunshine where he covers UFC, MLB, NHL, NBA, as well as tennis betting.
