2015 NBA MVP Odds
Unlike previous seasons, the 2015 NBA MVP race is still very much up for grabs with about a month to go in the regular season. Most oddsmakers have tabbed four viable candidates, although there appears to be two guys firmly ahead in the race: Golden State’s Steph Curry and Houston’s James Harden. Both players rank among the Top 5 in scoring and three-pointers made, not to mention leading their respective teams to two of the best records in the NBA. However, with roughly 20 games left on the schedule, there’s a decent chance a couple of other stars can do enough to make a serious run at the prize. Here’s a look at the most recent odds to win the 2015 NBA MVP.
Stephen Curry (Golden State) 1/2 – Once the Warriors ripped off a 16-game winning streak from mid November to mid December, Curry became the favorite. With LeBron and the Cavaliers struggling early, and Kevin Durant injured, Curry quickly climbed the ladder to the top. He’s above his career averages in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and field goal percentage. He also happens to be the starting point guard of the team with the league’s best record. Curry is finishing the season strong and will be tough to beat barring a collapse and/or injury.
James Harden (Houston) 7/2 – He’s become more than a lethal perimeter scorer in 2014-15. Harden is averaging career highs in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and ranks second in scoring. With Dwight Howard doing his thing in the paint, and Terrence Jones playing well above expectations, the Rockets are still angling for the top spot in the Western Conference. A furious finish by Harden and his mates could very well land him some hardware.
LeBron James (Cleveland) 4/1 – The four-time winner is obviously a boring choice, but it’s hard to deny his across the boards stats and uncanny leadership skills. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love aren’t Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in their prime, but James is keeping them involved and playing through some minor injuries to boot. The Hawks have already clinched the number one seed in the East and both the Bulls and Raptors are nipping at Cleveland’s heels for the number two slot. An argument can easily be made for LeBron being the choice, but it’s unlikely he’ll earn his fifth award.
Russell Westbrook (OK City) 6/1 – The first player since Michael Jordan to record four consecutive triple-doubles. Anytime a guy is mentioned in the same breath as Jordan, he’s doing something right. In Kevin Durant’s absence, Westbrook is leading the league in scoring and checks in at 4th in assists. He’s pretty much single-handedly keeping the Thunder alive for the 8th seed in the West. If anyone can gain enough momentum to overtake Harden and Curry, it’s Westbrook. Although, Durant’s impending return will definitely cut into his overall stats.
Marc Gasol (Memphis) 50/1 – Does Gasol have a shot? Of course not. That said, it’s worth pointing out that he’s been a stalwart on the league’s top defense. Gasol has always been underrated, but he’s quickly developed into one of the game’s most efficient all-around players in his seventh pro season.
