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With the regular season in the books, the NBA announced the finalists for its individual awards on Thursday.
To nobody’s surprise, Stephen Curry joined long-term favorite Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid as an MVP finalist thanks to his furious scoring binge that lifted the Golden State Warriors to the NBA’s play-in tournament.
Despite Curry’s historic scoring surge, Jokic remains the overwhelming betting favorite to secure his first MVP. Meanwhile, reigning back-to-back MVP and 2020 Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t a finalist for either award.
Will betting favorites prevail?
The MGM betting favorites for all the awards made the cut, including Julius Randle for Most Improved Player, Rudy Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year and LaMelo Ball for Rookie of the Year.
The awards were voted on by NBA media. Winners will be announced throughout the playoffs.
MVP finalists
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Rookie of the Year finalists
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Tyrese Haliburton, Sacramento Kings
Sixth Man of the Year finalists
Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz
Derrick Rose, New York Knicks
Defensive Player of the Year finalists
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Coach of the Year finalists
Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns
Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks
Quin Snyder, Utah Jazz
Most Improved Player finalists
Julius Randle, New York Knicks
Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
Jerami Grant, Detroit Pistons
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