Nikola Jokic's Biggest Competition for MVP Revealed

Can Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic win MVP over Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic?

Joey Linn | Aug 19, 2023

Nikola Jokic's Biggest Competition for MVP Revealed /

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After solidifying himself as the best player in the world, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is the betting odds favorite to win the MVP award next season. Many felt Jokic should have won his third-straight league MVP award this past season, but it ultimately went to Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid. With Jokic favored to reclaim the award next season, the latest betting odds have revealed who is his likeliest challenger.

According to BetMGM's MVP odds, Jokic is +400 to win the award next season, while Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is right behind him at +500. The next closest players are Giannis Antetokounmpo (+550), Joel Embiid (+600), and Jayson Tatum (+900).

Doncic is regularly placed near the top of these lists every summer, and while it makes sense because of the dominant numbers he puts up, the Mavericks have yet to secure a good enough record for their best player to be considered for league MVP. In Doncic's five NBA seasons, the Mavericks have finished no higher than 4th in the Western Conference standings, which makes it difficult for their superstar guard to get serious MVP consideration.

Because Doncic can essentially be penciled in for elite statistical averages, he will likely continue appearing on these MVP betting favorites lists. While the Mavericks will need to win several more games for him to win the award, Doncic does have a chance to be in that conversation.

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Published Aug 19, 2023

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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