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NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year favorites include Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley
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- NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year favorites include Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley
CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers have reached the midpoint of the season with the NBA's best record.
As they turn their attention to the second half — which will include a tougher schedule — they also have several players vying for personal awards, including Donovan Mitchell , Darius Garland , Evan Mobley , and Caris LeVert . Kenny Atkinson could also earn some hardware in his first year as Cavs coach.
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Here's a breakdown of where those award races stand. This is for entertainment purposes only, and all odds are via the BetMGM Sportsbook as of Jan. 21.
NBA MVP betting odds
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell warms up before a game against the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 20, 2025, in Cleveland.
The MVP race is largely down to two players, with Oklahoma City's Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander (-350) and Nikola Jokic (+275) the expected front runners. Again, it's the usual suspects.
Mitchell has the sixth-best odds at +25000, or 250-to-1. Giannis Antetokounmpo , Jayson Tatum and Victor Wembanyama are also ahead of him.
Mitchell is averaging 23.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year betting odds
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) drives to the basket between Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and forward Georges Niang (20) on Jan. 8, 2025, in Cleveland.
Wembanyama has become a clear favorite here at -600, but Mobley is the field's best chance to challenge him. He's currently at +1200, the second-best odds to bring home the award for the best defensive player in the league.
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Mobley is dealing with a calf issue, so as long as he's out Wembanyama can extend his lead.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year betting odds
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 5, 2025, in Cleveland.
Caris LeVert made a huge early push for this award but has fallen behind a bit, and now has the 10th-best odds at +15000, or 150-1. LeVert is averaging 10.8 points and 3.8 assists off the Cavs bench.
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is the front runner at -190, followed by De'Andre Hunter at +425.
And for readers of a certain age who would like to feel even older for a second, in 11th place, by the odds, is Scotty Pippen Jr.
NBA Most Improved Player betting odds
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) on Jan. 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City.
Mobley, who caused Atkinson to go through some sleepless nights dreaming of all the offensive potential he possesses, is second in the race to be named the NBA's Most Improved Player at +500. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham leads the way at -130, and this race could become closer once Mobley returns from injury.
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Tyler Herro (+600) and Norman Powell (+650) are the other leading contenders.
Mobley is averaging 18.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
NBA Clutch Player of the Year
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) on Jan. 12, 2025, in Cleveland.
A few weeks ago, Mitchell spoke up about Garland's 74% shooting performance in clutch situations, indicating Garland had become a leading option with the game on the line. He was trying to bolster Garland's All-Star case. It also might lead to some league-wide recognition at the end of the year.
Garland also has been more of a positive factor on defense while averaging 21.1 points and 6.8 assists.
Jokic is the favorite at -110 , followed by several players with similar odds. Leading that group is Garland at +1000. Anthony Edwards is +1200 and De'Aaron Fox, Trae Young , Tatum and Tyrese Maxey are all +1400.
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Mitchell is seventh at +2000.
NBA Coach of the Year betting odds
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This time, the Cavaliers are favored.
Atkinson, as of Jan. 16, leads the top contenders as the clear favorite at -500 . Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka are next up at +1200.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: NBA season award betting odds update for 2024-25 season
