How to Bet on The NBA MVP?
The NBA season is a thrilling race to the championship, but another battle brews all year long: the battle for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
For some fans, however, the excitement goes well beyond watching. Every year, thousands of basketball fans put their knowledge (and a little luck) to the test and bet on who will be crowned the league's best player.
If you’re a newbie to NBA betting, don’t fret! This guide will cover everything you need to know to place your wagers on who will become this year’s MVP.
What Is the MVP Award?
The MVP is an annual award given to the NBA's most valuable player. It is the highest honour in the world of basketball and is designed to recognize the year’s most outstanding athlete.
The prize was created in 1956 under the name “Maurice Podoloff” and was renamed “Michael Jordan” in 2022. Jordan himself won the award five times, but it is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who holds the record, with a total of six wins.
How Is the NBA's MVP Award Decided?
Until the 1980s, the NBA players themselves decided which basketball star would take home the coveted award. But in 1981 the rules changed.
Since then, a select panel of media members has been in charge of choosing the year’s MVP after the conclusion of the finals.
Voting takes place in the following way. Each panel member has five votes with different values to award to candidates. The first is worth 10 points, the second 7 points, the third 5, the fourth 3, and the fifth only 1 point.
Once all the votes are cast, they are counted and the player with the most votes wins the MVP award. A total of 100 specialised sports journalists from the United States and Canada participate in this system.
Best Tips to Bet on the NBA MVP
If you love basketball and believe you have what it takes, betting on the NBA can be a great way to add a little extra thrill to basketball season this year. Check out our tips below and get started on the right foot.
- Player Performance: While not the sole factor, impressive numbers when it comes to stats (points, rebounds, assists, etc) should be factored into your bet. Take into account efficiency metrics and consider players who excel at both offense and defense.
- Historical Trends: PA breakout season is always a possibility, but the MVP award tends to go to established basketball superstars—usually experienced players between 25 and 30 years old. It is relatively common for the award to go to the same player two years in a row.
In terms of positions, historical trends show that the centre player often takes home the prize. - Team Success: MVP voters heavily favour players on winning teams. While a superstar on a lottery team may put up an MVP-worthy performance, their chances of winning the award are slim. Focus on players leading strong playoff contenders.
- Consistency: A good run is not enough. Focus on the players who showed outstanding performance during the whole season, not just the first few games.
- Late Season Performance: This is the stage before the playoffs, where MVP candidates often bring out their full potential to lead their teams in critical situations where the pressure begins to be felt.
While it is essential to study the player's attitude from the start, evaluating their behaviour and statistics in the late season is essential.
- Consider Media Buzz: The media plays a significant role in shaping the MVP narrative. Injuries to key players can easily thrust another player into the spotlight. Pay attention to media narratives and adjust your bets accordingly.
- Stay Informed About Injuries and Suspensions: A key player missing significant time due to injury can drastically impact their MVP chances. Regularly monitor player health updates and consider suspensions as well.
- Shop Around for the Best Odds: Don't settle for the first odds you see. Different sportsbooks offer varying lines on MVP contenders. Find the most favourable odds for your chosen player.
Ready to bet on this season’s MVP? Visit our basketball betting page and place your wagers. And if you are a new player, you can take advantage of our sports welcome free bet. With this promotion, you can place your first bet risk-free!
Types of NBA MVP Bets
Future Bets
This is a bet made before the regular season starts. You will pick your MVP candidate weeks or months in advance, therefore, if you win, the reward will be higher.
Due to the unpredictable nature of an NBA season, future MVP bets carry some inherent risk. Injuries, unexpected trades, or even hot streaks from lesser-known players can all drastically impact the MVP race.
To mitigate this risk, research is crucial. Dig into player and team trends, analyse statistics, and stay informed about potential game-changers like injuries or trades.
By understanding these factors, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and navigate the ever-evolving MVP landscape.
In season bets
With in-season bets, you can wager on a candidate once the regular season has started. In this case, you get to check out individual players and team performances before placing your bet. For this reason, odds may be lower or change over time.
Learn more about types of bets in our NBA betting guide and place your bets knowledgeably and safely.
Who Were the Last Winners of the NBA MVP?
These were the players who received MVP awards during the last few years:
- 2022/2023: Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
- 2021/2022: Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
- 2020/2021: Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
- 2019/2020: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Putting It All Together: The Key to Successful NBA MVP Betting
Winning an NBA MVP bet requires a strategic blend of knowledge, luck, and intuition. Stay informed by following reliable sports news sources and analyse player and team trends. Once you've done your research, trust your sporting instincts and choose the player you believe has the best chance of winning the MVP award. Sign up at Trust Dice casino and sportsbook and claim your welcome package to start betting on Basketball. Good luck!
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