Luka Doncic Continues to Get Disrespected in MVP Odds
The Dallas Mavericks superstar continues to get no love from sportsbooks despite his heroic season.
By Cem Yolbulan
The Dallas Mavericks have been in a different gear since the trade deadline, steadily moving up the Western Conference standings, and now find themselves in fifth place with a 47-30 record. With their full roster healthy, and a deeper team than they have had over the last few seasons, the Mavericks are a serious threat to make a deep postseason run.
Shouldering the offensive burden and leading the charge as always is superstar Luka Doncic. Flirting with triple-doubles every night, leading the league in scoring and second in assists, Doncic has hit a new level this season. Easily the most efficient season of his career, Doncic is hitting 38.2% of his threes on 10.5 attempts per game while leading his team to a whopping 120.5 offensive rating when he is on the floor. His season averages are 33.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game.
Yet, somehow, this is not good enough for sportsbooks. Doncic is currently second in MVP odds (+2500) on FanDuel Sportsbook with a wide margin. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets seems to be running away with his third MVP award as he is a -5000 favorite on FanDuel.
NBA MVP Odds
Jokic certainly has a very strong case to win MVP. He is the best player on one of the best teams in the league while being the lead offensive engine night in and night out. He is incredibly efficient from all over the floor while averaging 26.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists without missing any significant time.
The Nuggets star would be a deserving MVP but the gap between Doncic and Jokic, as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, should be much closer than these odds imply. There is an argument to be made that the Mavericks being on pace to win over 50 games with their roster is more impressive than the Nuggets winning 55.
I guess Doncic will have to prove doubters wrong in the playoffs, similar to what Jokic did last season. Maybe then, the disrespect will stop.
Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook now, claim your sign-up bonus of $200 after your first winning wager, and get in on the action before the NBA Playoffs start.
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.