NBA MVP Odds: Joel Embiid Leads Nikola Jokic & Luka Doncic in Real-Time Outlook

Mavs superstar Luka Doncic remains among the top candidates for the 2024 NBA MVP award, ranking behind Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic in real-time odds.

DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic remains one of the prominent candidates for the 2024 NBA MVP award. He's averaged 32.7 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.4 rebounds in 26 games, shooting 48.5 percent from the floor, 37.6 percent from 3-point range, and 77.6 percent on free throws. 

“I don’t see why he’s not No. 1 in the running for MVP,” Mavs forward Markieff Morris said. “I just don’t get it because he’s carrying our team in scoring, rebounding, and assists on a nightly basis.

“I played with some great players, but when I tell you the game is just so easy to him. I’ve never seen nobody damn near walk through the game. He plays the same way in practice. It’s just his skill.”

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According to BetOnline, the real-time MVP odds feature Joel Embiid as the frontrunner at 7/4 (+175), with Nikola Jokic at 9/4 (+225) and Doncic slotting in third at 11/2 (+550). Other players in the mix include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum, to name a few.

Doncic tends to produce emblematic results of an MVP with his gaudy individual stats, but the Mavs have yet to win enough games for him to be positioned strongly enough to win it. The issue is emerging again with a previously elite start becoming derailed by injuries to various pivotal players, including Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II. 

The Mavs have already lost games against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers in the past week, resulting in a loss of the season tiebreakers. Despite an 8-2 start to their regular season campaign, Dallas is now 16-11 with a losing record since that point, ranking sixth in the Western Conference standings.

Entering Friday's NBA action, the Mavs will begin a back-to-back starting on the road against the Houston Rockets, ending with a showdown against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center.