Team USA's LeBron James has surged ahead of Nikola Jokic in the odds for the Olympic basketball MVP award, while Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have also made strong cases for contention.
As the men's Olympic basketball tournament progresses, the race for the MVP award is heating up. For the first time in recent memory, Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, is not the overwhelming favorite. Instead, Team USA's LeBron James has taken the lead in the odds, followed by Kevin Durant and a surprising surge from Anthony Edwards.
At DraftKings Sportsbook, James is the heavy favorite at -115 odds, meaning a $10 bet would return $18.70. Durant is a distant second at +500 odds, indicating a possible $60 return for a $10 bet. Edwards, the young Minnesota Timberwolves star, has emerged as a legitimate contender at +750 odds, suggesting a potential $85 payout for a $10 bet.
James' dominance in the early stages of the tournament has propelled him to the top of the MVP odds. Through three games, he leads Team USA in minutes per game (21.8), assists per game (7.3), is third in points per game (14.3), and third in rebounds per game (6.7). His all-around play and leadership have been instrumental in Team USA's undefeated 3-0 record.
Edwards, meanwhile, has been a revelation for Team USA, leading the team in scoring at 16.7 points per game while averaging 18 minutes per game. His explosive athleticism and ability to create his own shot have made him a dangerous weapon for the Americans.
Other notable contenders in the MVP race include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada, who is averaging 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game; Anthony Davis of Team USA, who is averaging 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game; and Stephen Curry of Team USA, who is averaging 12.3 points and 5.0 assists per game.
However, the most surprising development is the drop in odds for Jokic, who has won three of the last four NBA MVP awards. The Serbian superstar is currently ninth on the board at +1800 odds, indicating a potential $190 return for a $10 bet. Jokic has been solid for Serbia, averaging 18.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game, but his team's 2-1 record may have hurt his chances.
The race for the Olympic basketball MVP award is far from over, and with each passing game, new contenders emerge. James, Durant, and Edwards are the current favorites, but Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and others are still in contention. As the tournament reaches its knockout stages, the battle for the MVP award will intensify, providing fans with plenty of excitement and intrigue.
