Upcoming Match-ups

Kevin Durant’s 2019 NBA Finals MVP Odds Actually Improving In Spite of Being Ruled Out of Game 1

Cole Shelton

by Cole Shelton in NBA Basketball

Updated Mar 27, 2020 · 10:34 AM PDT

Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Photo by GAMEFACE-PHOTOS (flickr) [CC License].
  • Kevin Durant will be unavailable for Game 1 of the NBA Finals
  • KD’s odds of winning the NBA Finals MVP Award have improved since officially being ruled out
  • Kawhi Leonard has best odds among the Raptors

Even though Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the All-Star’s Finals MVP odds have actually improved since this morning, jumping from +1200 to +1000. He now has the fourth-best odds among all players.

2019 NBA Finals MVP Odds

Player Book 1 Odds Book 2 Odds
Steph Curry (Warriors -125 -125
Kawhi Leonard (Raptors) +300 +250
Draymond Green (Warriors) +800 +700
Kevin Durant (Warriors) +1200 +1000
Klay Thompson (Warriors) +1400 +1400
Andre Igudola (Warriors) +2500 +2500
DeMarcus Cousins (Warriors) +2500 +2500
Kyle Lowry (Raptors) +1400 +2500
Pascal Siakam (Raptors) +1400 +2500
Fred VanVleet (Raptors) +3300 +3300
Serge Ibaka (Raptors) +3300 +3300
Kevon Looney (Warriors) +5000 +5000
Marc Gasol (Raptors) +5000 +5000
Norman Powell (Raptors) +5000 +5000

*Odds taken 05/27/19

Is Durant Worth Betting?

Although Durant will miss the first game (and possibly more) of the series, there is still a chance he could win Finals MVP. However, he needs the Warriors to win the series and win it in six or seven games to have a real shot. If it goes all seven, he can still play in five or more games and show why he is arguably the best player.

If this series only goes four or five games than Durant’s chances of winning NBA Finals MVP are slim to none.

Along with getting such high odds, there is no surprise they are improving as bettors are laying money on him. But, if the Warriors do win, I think Steph Curry could very well win his first Finals MVP. So, I think there is value on Durant at +1000, but if this series only goes four or five games his chances of winning are slim to none.

YouTube video

Who’s the Best Bet?

If the Toronto Raptors shock the world once more, this is quite easy to answer. The best bet would be Kawhi Leonard. He is an absolute freak and is averaging 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting an impressive 50.7% from the field and 38.8% from deep. He has been arguably the best player all postseason and is the reason why the Raptors are set to play for their first ever championship. So, if you like the Raptors to win it all, Kawhi is your (fun) guy.

YouTube video

If you favor the Warriors, as most do, I think you have to favor Steph Curry. The point guard has been tremendous these playoffs averaging 27.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field and 39% from three.

Like Leonard, Curry has been the best player on the court for his team, and should Golden State three-peat, chances are Curry wins Finals MVP.

Pick: Steph Curry (-125)

Author Image