2023 NBA MVP odds on the transfer, Joel Embiid new favourite over Nikola Jokic

NBA MVP odds have seen a change on the prime of the board, with Denver Nuggets triple-double machine Nikola Jokic being overtaken by Philadelphia 76ers heart Joel Embiid. 

Jokic is the two-time defending NBA MVP and appeared effectively on his approach to a 3rd straight trophy. But the Nuggets had a current four-game skid, whereas the Sixers have gained six in a row. 

That’s gotten individuals’s consideration. FOX Bet’s Tieme Wesselink and BetMGM Nevada’s Scott Shelton helped dive into the NBA MVP odds flip-flop. 

Let’s bounce into the large shift in odds.

Recent Form 

As famous, Denver went on a four-game slide, and it’s not just like the stoop was to a number of the NBA’s finest. The breakdown, so as: 

A 117-96 house shellacking by the hands of Chicago, which is among the many worst groups within the East. 

A 128-120 loss at San Antonio, one of many worst groups within the NBA. 

A 122-120 loss house loss to Brooklyn, which, whereas nonetheless within the playoff image, is a shell of itself after buying and selling Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. 

A 125-110 loss at Toronto, which has bought expertise however is sub-.500 in the mean time. 

Conversely, Philadelphia is on a 6-0 run coming into Friday’s sport at Charlotte. And Embiid’s stat line is spectacular. He’s scored 31 factors or extra in all six video games, together with a double-double of 36 factors and 18 rebounds in Wednesday’s 118-109 win at Cleveland. 

And within the win that began the streak, a 133-130 victory at Milwaukee, Embiid had 31 factors, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. 

“We saw Jokic pull away late from Embiid and Giannis in last season’s race. We might see a role reversal this year,” Wesselink stated. “Who would have predicted the Nuggets’ four-game losing streak? It allowed Embiid, with the Sixers on a six-game win streak, to surpass Jokic. Embiid looks destined to hold on to the NBA scoring [lead], with Doncic out of action.” 

Indeed, Embiid is averaging 33.5 factors per sport, a half-point forward of Doncic, who missed three video games with an ankle challenge. 

Big Man’s Big Move 

Back in January, Embiid had a foot damage that brought on him to slip to +2000 or extra with some oddsmakers. But he has since steadily climbed again into the MVP race. 

On March 6, BetMGM had Embiid at +650, tied with Giannis Antetokounmpo because the second alternative. Still, Jokic was seemingly operating away with the dignity as a -400 favourite. But by Tuesday, Jokic went to -225, whereas Embiid improved to +200. 

By Thursday morning, with the Sixers staying sizzling, Embiid moved to the -110 favourite at BetMGM, whereas Jokic fell to second at +160. As of late Thursday night time, Embiid was -105, Jokic +160 and Antetokounmpo +375. 

And BetMGM is rooting for the Philly large man. 

“We do really good to Embiid, and we do really bad to Jokic,” BetMGM Nevada’s Scott Shelton stated. “So we’re hoping it stays this way. We’re in good shape to Giannis, too. He’d be the best-case scenario. Jokic is the worst-case scenario. 

Shelton was speaking strictly to BetMGM Nevada’s position – how MVP odds are being bet at BetMGM’s Las Vegas books. But nationally, it’s a similar story. Jokic has the second-most MVP tickets at BetMGM, behind only Doncic, but Jokic has taken 1.5 times more money than Doncic, who is second in money. 

Embiid is a distant third in tickets and cash. 

Records Play a Role 

At FOX Bet, Embiid fell as far back as +2200 in January. Now, he’s the -105 favorite, with Jokic +150 and Antetokounmpo +350. 

And Embiid now has the Sixers at 46-22 on the season. While that’s only the third-best record in the East – behind Milwaukee (50-20) and Boston (48-22) – it puts Philly ahead of the Western Conference-leading Nuggets (47-23). 

“The workforce data play an vital position right here, with the Sixers now half a sport up on the Nuggets,” Wesselink said. “The consensus can be that the Eastern Conference is healthier than the wild West this season. Pundits are making it a degree of emphasis that Jokic would win a near-unprecedented three consecutive MVPs. I don’t assume earlier years must be taken into consideration for the 2022-23 MVP, however it would actually play a job in some voters’ minds. 

“Embiid finished runner-up behind Jokic twice. There are still 14 games to play for the Sixers, and it feels like Embiid controls his own destiny this season.” 

Patrick Everson is a sports activities betting analyst for FOX Sports and senior reporter for VegasInsider.com. He is a distinguished journalist within the nationwide sports activities betting house. He’s primarily based in Las Vegas, the place he enjoys {golfing} in 110-degree warmth. Follow him on Twitter: @PatrickE_Vegas. 

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