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

By Cole Shelton in NBA Basketball
Updated: March 27, 2020 at 10:34 am EDTPublished:

- 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.

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.

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)

Sports Writer
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.