Kevin Durant Odds to Win NBA MVP Skyrocket

The NBA season tipped off eight days ago, and the MVP odds are moving faster than the 24-second clock. There was no clear MVP favorite to start the season, and Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant has made a move up the oddsboard. Durant is currently +750 and the third favorite behind Dallas Maverick forward Luka Doncic (+410) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (+550), according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

But bettors have to watch Durant's playing time and health as he returns to the court after missing last season with an Achilles injury.

The Nets are off to a 2-2 start, but Durant and teammate Kyrie Irving both missed the Nets overtime loss against the Memphis Grizzlies Monday due to 'injury recovery.' The Nets were playing back-to-back nights following a 2-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets. It looks like Durant may be limited in playing time in early season back-to-back games.

"We have to be very careful with his adaptation process back into the game," Nets first-year coach Steve Nash said earlier this month.

Durant is averaging 26.7 points per game. He's made 9-of-13 three-point shots to start the season. Nets guard Kyrie Irving is averaging 29.3 points per game to rank No. 4 in the league, and he's moved up the oddsboard from +8500 to +5500.

NBA MVP Odds 2020-21

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic remains the favorite with unchanged odds of +410. But Kevin Durant's MVP odds have improved sharply from +1300 to +750 at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Along with Kyrie Irving's falling odds, two other players made even bigger moves since the season started. Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic is now +1300 after starting the season at +3600. The Nuggets center has looked sensational despite Denver's 1-3 start. Jokic is averaging 24.5 points per game, 11.8 rebounds per game and a league-leading 13.5 assists per game. That's for a 7-foot center, folks. Jokic already has recorded three triple-doubles, and his 44 career triple doubles ties the franchise record.

Also, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson's MVP odds are now +3600 after starting the season +8500. Williamson is averaging 21.3 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game in the Pelican's 2-2 start.

1. Luka Doncic (+410)

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (+550)

3. Kevin Durant (+750)

4. Stephen Curry (+950)

5. Anthony Davis (+1300)

6. Nikola Jokic (+1300)

7. LeBron James (+1300)

8. James Harden (+1600)

9. Jason Tatum (+2000)

10. Kawhi Leonard (+2200)

11. Joel Embiid (+2600)

12. Joel Embid (+2600)

13. Zion Williamson (+3600)

14. Devin Booker (+5500)

15. Russell Westbrook (+5500)

16. Kyle Irving (+5500)

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