NBA MVP Odds: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Late But Perfectly-Timed Push for MVP
On Friday night, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls by a wide margin, thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s outstanding play. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks over a Bulls club that was only one game ahead of them in the standings, scoring 34 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists.
Giannis is having another historically incredible season, and he’s a genuine candidate for MVP and DPOY once again. The 27-year-old Greek Freak is already one of the best players of all time, and he’s only getting better.
Since dropping a 50-point game in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to capture Milwaukee‘s first championship since 1971, Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t stopped destroying opponents, setting records, and seeking greatness. As we get closer to the All-Star break in a few weeks, Giannis is swiftly establishing himself as the clear MVP front runner.
Giannis with a Shaq-like stat line:
34 PTS
16 REB
12-22 FG
10-19 FTW at the Bulls. pic.twitter.com/IiTeHEkLKk
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 5, 2022
Giannis Antetokounmpo lurking behind Jokic and Embiid for MVP award as per Odds
The Bucks are within three games of the East’s top spot with less than 20 games remaining in the regular season. As a result, the two-time MVP has resurfaced in the MVP discussion. While Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic have (rightfully) gotten the most of the attention in that respect this season, Antetokounmpo has been quietly going about his business.
However, according to Yebscore’s NBA Futures Odds, Giannis is behind Jokic and Embiid. Here’s a look at the current standings:
Antetokounmpo has averaged 31.7 points on 57.8% shooting, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in his previous 15 games. Antetokounmpo is enjoying a season that is not just comparable to Embiid and Jokic’s, but also to his two prior MVP seasons.
The NBA has released its updated MVP rankings:
1) Nikola Jokic
2) Joel Embiid
3) Giannis Antetokounmpo
4) DeMar DeRozan
5) Ja Morant👀
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 4, 2022
Antetokounmpo appears poised to win another MVP award if he can simply stay healthy, given the way he’s routinely put up high statistics to lead the Bucks to victory this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has passed Wilt Chamberlain for the highest PER season of all-time.
32.2 🤯 pic.twitter.com/PZ9fxr9iGF
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 5, 2022
Furthermore, his numbers are just going to get better. He’s on track for another spectacular season, and while his concentration is on winning another title rather than another MVP award, it would be a travesty not to recognize Giannis with the trophy if he can continue to produce at this level of efficiency and dominance.
Here’s Jalen Rose’ take on who should win the MVP this year: