Luka Doncic (+400)

There is a lot of confusion coming out of the Mavericks camp with Doncic reportedly upset at the departure of Donnie Nelson and struggling to get along with Kristaps Porzingis. But the ultra-talented PG is the best facilitator and scorer in the game now and he’ll be working under new HC Jason Kidd, a fantastic PG in his own day.

Joel Embiid (+700)

Health is always the biggest issue with Embiid, who might have beaten out Jokic for MVP last year had he not missed 19 games last season. The big man played through a meniscus tear in the playoffs and that doesn’t predict well for his longevity heading into the 2021-22 season. But when he’s out there, Embiid has the greatest impact of any player on both ends.

Steph Curry (+800)

Curry had the greatest shooting season of all time last year when he averaged 32 PPG and shot 48% from the field and 42% from 3-point range to carry an injury-diminished Warriors team. The Dubs have the No. 7 and No. 14 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft and will get Klay Thompson back after a two-year absence, which will only help Curry’s MVP as the Warriors record is bound to improve.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (+800)

The two-time MVP put up typically gaudy numbers last season, but voter fatigue played a role in Giannis missing out. The Bucks superstar also suffered a knee injury during the playoffs but should be back to full speed by the start of next season.

Kevin Durant (+800)

While Durant may very well be the best player in the NBA today, he’s unlikely to go hard throughout the regular season, especially since the Nets can win games with Kyrie Irving and James Harden leading the way. Durant is a better bet to win Finals MVP next season than regular season MVP.

Lebron James (+1100)

The last time there was a narrative about LeBron James being washed up, he bounced back with a massive season and barely lost out to Giannis in MVP voting. Expect James to work out like a madman this offseason and come into his age 37 season with plenty to prove.

Damian Lillard (+1100)

Lillard was a marvel last season and throughout the playoffs, but the Blazers supporting cast and coaching staff disappointed once again. Portland switches to Chauncey Billups at head coach in a controversial move that is generating some pressure for Lillard to ask out of town.

Nikola Jokic (+1500)

Jokic missed just one game last season. With the best Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in the league. Jamal Murray (ACL) should miss the start of next season, so The Joker will have even more on him.

James Harden (+2500)

Since becoming a full-time starter in 2012, last year was the lowest PPG average in Harden’s career. He did, however, have an uptick in assists, rebounds, and field goal percentage. Now that he’s more comfortable in Steve Nash’s system and with Durant and Irving returning fully healthy, Harden should have every opportunity to light it up.

Donovan Mitchell (+3000)

Mitchell had a career best year in 2021, posting career highs in points (26.4), assists (5.2), three-point percentage (38.6), and field goals attempted (20.6). Mitchell is not only getting his scoring up, but also moving the ball around more and finding open teammates. He is grown from a ball of fire shooting guard to a player that can handle the offense himself.