NBA MVP race shifts after Nikola Jokic injury; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gains ground
SLUG: jokic-injury-shifts-mvp-odds
CONTENT:
The NBA’s Most Valuable Player betting market received a jolt on Tuesday, Dec. 30, after Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic was sidelined with an injury.
Sportsbooks quickly adjusted their futures boards, lengthening Jokic’s odds and, in turn, shortening those for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The change positions Gilgeous-Alexander as a stronger contender in what had been a Jokic-dominated race.
Before the injury, Jokic had been the clear favorite to repeat as MVP. His absence, however long it lasts, opens the door for challengers such as Gilgeous-Alexander to close the gap in both statistics and perception among voters.
Oddsmakers will continue to monitor Jokic’s health updates. Until there is clarity on his return, bettors are likely to see tighter MVP lines, with Gilgeous-Alexander and other candidates gaining momentum.
Source: New York Post
