From Cooper Flagg to DeMar DeRozan: Best NBA Award Bets Entering the New Season

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is chasing a rare third straight MVP, but Nikola Jokić, Anthony Edwards and Cade Cunningham offer intriguing betting value.

Wembey "Looking to sweep the awards" next season, can LeBron James match up with the Warriors? | FTF

Victor Wimbanyama is coming off a disappointing NBA Finals appearance and Tracy McGrady said it will motivate him to sweep the NBA Awards in 2026/27. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wilds ask whether Wembey will dominate the NBA and whether LeBron James' move to the Warriors makes sense.

The NBA is almost back. We've already seen some of the preseason action, and there simply isn't enough time to cover all the offseason happenings for each team like I've done for the MLB and NFL. Basketball is my favorite sport, and despite all the complaints (some warranted and some not so much), the NBA is my favorite league. We haven't seen a team win the championship in nine seasons, and we've had eight consecutive years with a different winner. Some of the rewards haven't been quite as varied, but I'm looking for options for this season and where we can make money.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) hits a three-point shot in overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 25, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. (Ron Chenoy/Images)

In the last two seasons, Shai Giljos-Alexander has won the MVP award. The last person to win three consecutive seasons was Larry Bird. It was from 1983 to 1986. So, consider this advice to remove him from your list. Victor Wimbanyama is young, in a big team and looked good until last year's final. It could be very old, however, at +210, this number is very low. I have a few other options worth checking out. Nikola Jokic has been a finalist every season and has averaged a triple-double the last two years. Somehow he didn't win MVP in any of those seasons. At 500+, it might be worth it for him to pick up the prize he's been missing out on for the past two years.

Some longer shots I like are Anthony Edwards at +1800 and Cade Cunningham at +2200. Maybe I just like Edwards. He is the best player on a good team and consistently leads them to the playoffs. He also doesn't stop playing and continues to improve every season. If the Timberwolves can finish among the top three teams in the West, Edwards and his personality may be enough to earn him the award. Cunningham is the best player for the Pistons and literally does everything for them. He led them to first place in the East last year. While I don't think that will happen again, I do think that by taking another step forward, Cunningham might finally get the attention he deserves.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) watches during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. (Daniel Kossin Jr./Images)

Cooper Flagg will take a step forward, but the Mavs have to finish in the top four in the West for him to get it. There are flights worse than +20,000 on Flagg. Jalen Branson in +5000 is another interesting one. After winning last year, he could focus on winning an individual prize. The media is probably still looking at the Knicks as a complete team, and I think the Knicks will take a step back this season, so I don't like it, but it's conceivable, and there are worse numbers.

Cooper Flagg wins NBA Rookie of the Year after PLAY-IN CON KNUEPPEL.

The NBA draft was about as chalky as you could get. AJ DiBantsa was first, followed by Darrin Patterson, Cam Boozer and finally Caleb Wilson. People are talking about the 2003 draft, but that could be pretty close. I don't expect Dibantsa to play a big role and I think the Wizards will put him in the spotlight. Boozer isn't going to hang around Memphis and therefore won't win. Peterson on the Jazz could be a really good player and will likely be a leading scorer. It looks like Caleb Wilson will be featured and greenlit. I just don't know that he will be a good enough shooter to win the award.

So who should we get? Darius Ackoff Jr. puts up some monster numbers, but the Kings can't hide his defensive flaws, and the narrative ends up hurting him. Keaton Wagler might be the best option to get +3500. Wagler is on a Clippers team that is desperate for someone to take over. I like him as a long shot and if I had to pick a favorite, I'd pick Peterson at +340.

COPER FLAGG leads the NBA ALL-ROOKIE First Team alongside former Duke teammate KNUPPEL and VJ EDGECOMBE.

I don't go over every player, but I like Demar Rozan at +1800. DeRozan still has a lot left in the tank and I'd love to see him come off the bench in Denver. He is an ISO player who excels in the midrange. I can imagine a lot of games where he comes in with Jokic and Jamal Murray out and DeRozan comes in to take over. I could see him getting some game winners as well.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards shoots against San Antonio Spurs C Victor Wimbanyama during Game 2 of the 2026 Western Conference semifinals. (Photos by Daniel Dunn-Imigen)

Of course, there are many more prizes to choose from. I like to wait for Most Improved, even if my numbers get a little worse, because that often goes to players who are already good, but have improved from good to great. The Defensive Player of the Year is not worth betting on anyone, including Victor Wimbanyama.

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