The NBA All-Star break is over, so it’s time to revisit NBA MVP odds to try to find value.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a heavy favorite right now, that doesn’t mean that we can’t take a shot on another contender at longshot odds.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into my NBA MVP winner picks.
2026 NBA MVP Betting Odds
All basketball odds used for these 2026 NBA MVP predictions are current as of Wednesday, Feb. 18, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-210)
- Nikola Jokic (+300)
- Cade Cunningham (+1400)
- Luka Doncic (+2000)
- Victor Wembanyama (+3500)
- Jaylen Brown (+5000)
- Donovan Mitchell (+14000)
- Anthony Edwards (+20000)
- Jalen Brunson (+25000)
All other NBA MVP candidates have odds of +50000 or longer.
Who Will Win NBA MVP?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-210)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having a terrific season, averaging 31.8 points per game while shooting 55.4% from the field. Meanwhile, the Thunder sit atop the NBA with a 42-14 record.
Here we have the best player on the best team, who also happens to be the defending NBA champion. Even at -210 odds, Shai looks like the right play right now.
He would have to miss significant time due to injury, or the Thunder would have to collapse for this award to go somewhere else, so I’ll ride with SGA as my NBA pick of the day.
NBA MVP Contenders
Nikola Jokic (+300)
The next best contender for NBA MVP is Nikola Jokic, who is once again averaging a triple-double, putting up 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists while shooting 59% from the field.
Jokic has a chance to overtake Shai for this award, as long as he keeps producing and the Nuggets go on a run in the second half. Denver owns a 35-20 record, so it’ll have to shoot up the standings for this wager to hit.
While it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility, I don’t think we’re getting enough value here at +300 odds.
Cade Cunningham (+1400)
Cade Cunningham looks like a much better value at +1400 odds.
Not only is he putting up 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game, but the Pistons are atop the Eastern Conference standings with a 40-13 record.
Even though Cade’s stats aren’t on par with Shai or Jokic, there’s a chance that voters will gravitate towards the Pistons’ superstar because of how surprising they’ve been.
No one expected Detroit to be the best team in the East, so if it can keep it rolling, there’s a legit chance that Cade can win this award.
NBA MVP Sleeper Pick
Jaylen Brown (+5000)
Jaylen Brown has been phenomenal this year, putting the Celtics on his back during Jayson Tatum’s absence.
Not only is Brown averaging 29.3 points on 48.3% shooting, but the Celtics are 35-19, good for second place in the Eastern Conference.
- See where Boston sits in the 2026 NBA Finals odds.
If Boston can have a red-hot second-half and surpass the Pistons with Brown continuing to stuff the stat sheet, there’s a chance that he can win the NBA MVP award.
We’re getting a terrific price at +5000 odds, making Brown worth a look here.
