2025 NBA Finals MVP Award Odds and Predictions

As the NBA playoffs heat up and we inch closer to crowning a champion, the NBA Finals MVP is one of the most exciting futures markets on the board. Betting on who will hoist that coveted trophy when the dust settles is a great way to ride the postseason drama.

If you’re already locked into your NBA Championship picks, it’s time to narrow your focus to the Finals MVP race. For a complete look at the contenders for the title itself, check out our NBA Championship odds and predictions. Want a closer look at the playoff paths? Don’t miss our breakdowns of the NBA Eastern Conference and NBA Western Conference odds.

Let’s dive into the latest 2025 NBA Finals MVP odds, betting favorites, value picks, and of course, a bold prediction.

When Will The NBA Finals Start?

The 2025 NBA Finals are set to tip off in early June, with Game 1 expected around June 5th. The series will conclude by June 22nd at the latest if it goes to seven games. Keep up with the full postseason action by checking out our NBA Playoffs odds and predictions.

What Is The Name Of The NBA Finals MVP Trophy?

Since 2009, the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award has been handed out to the most outstanding player of the Finals. Before that, it was simply known as the NBA Finals MVP trophy, but naming it after the legendary Celtics center gave it the iconic branding it deserves.

Who Is The Youngest NBA Finals MVP?

Magic Johnson still holds that record. At just 20 years old, Johnson won Finals MVP in 1980 after leading the Lakers to a championship in his rookie season, filling in at center for an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6. Unreal stuff, for sure.

Who Won the NBA Finals MVP 2024?

In 2024, Jaylen Brown won Finals MVP after helping to lead the Boston Celtics to their 18th NBA title. Brown averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in Boston’s 5-game triumph over the Dallas Mavericks.

NBA Finals MVP Odds

Check out the latest NBA Finals MVP odds, courtesy of the best sports betting sites:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the pack, but he’s hardly a prohibitive favorite at +180. Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell are the only other players with odds south of +1000. Nikola Jokic (+7000) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (+13000) are awfully alluring as longshots, but both of their teams are facing series deficits.

With value shifting constantly, it’s always worth consulting the best handicappers and the latest NBA odds.

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NBA Finals MVP Favorites

The following players are considered the odds-on favorites to win the NBA Finals MVP due to their current odds, NBA Teams, and season to date:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+180)

There’s a reason Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the frontrunner for both regular season MVP and Finals MVP. The dude has been on another planet this year, leading the Thunder to the top seed in the Western Conference with a double-digit point differential over the competition. His 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting (crazy efficiency for a guard) makes him one of the most potent offensive threats in the league, but what really sets him apart is the total package.

He’s not just scoring; he’s leading the league in steals and quietly making a case for an All-Defensive team nod, putting together a two-way season that feels very Michael Jordan-ish. Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in 50-, 40-, 30-, and 20-point games this season, showing he can take over whenever needed.

The Thunder’s success is tied directly to SGA. If OKC reaches the Finals, it’s going to be because Shai hauled them there—and if they win it all, he’s a lock to take the MVP hardware home. Betting on him here is riding the wave of what looks like an MVP season for the ages.

With Oklahoma City already leading the Memphis Grizzlies 3-0 in their first-round series, the Thunder can likely start looking ahead to round two.

Jayson Tatum (+300)

Jayson Tatum’s been knocking on the door of Finals MVP before. Tatum was edged out by Brown after the Celtics won it all last season, but he’s the favorite among several candidates from Boston (+300) entering the 2024-25 postseason.

However, Tatum is already dealing with an injury. He sustained a bone bruise in his wrist in the Celtics’ Game 1 win over the Orlando Magic. The injury kept him sidelined for Game 2, and he’s doubtful to play in Game 3. This isn’t necessarily believed to be a long-term injury, but it’s obviously severe enough to keep him off the floor for now.

The Celtics are up 2-0 in the series, and I don’t expect the injury to keep Boston from eventually doing away with the Magic and advancing to the second round.

Boston’s path to the Finals is a pretty clear one. The Eastern Conference is likely to come down to the Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers. If Boston survives, they’ll have their hands full with whichever team ultimately advances through the Western Conference gauntlet. I still think the Celts are the NBA’s best team – in spite of Cleveland having a better regular-season record – so I love the value we’re getting with Tatum to win Finals MVP at +300.

Donovan Mitchell (+850)

Donovan Mitchell’s path to Finals MVP is built on more than just gaudy stats—it’s about leadership and self-sacrifice. This season with the Cavaliers, Mitchell has arguably had his strongest MVP case yet, but not because he led the league in scoring. Instead, he embraced a role that prioritized the team’s success over individual accolades, dialing back his own numbers to elevate the play of guys like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. That kind of mentality could pay off big-time if the Cavs make a deep playoff run.

Mitchell’s scoring punch is still there when needed—he rattled off several 30-point games early in the year and dropped 27 points with clutch plays in a critical late-season win over the Knicks. But more importantly, he became the heartbeat of the team, managing to lead Cleveland to a strong finish even as they navigated injuries and lineup changes. His ability to adapt to new roles, from high-usage scorer to facilitator and closer, makes him the exact kind of player who can swing a Finals MVP vote in his favor.

Mitchell’s value goes beyond the box score. His willingness to reduce his own minutes and shots, creating space for teammates to shine, reflects the maturity and leadership you need in a Finals MVP. He’s had conversations with coach Kenny Atkinson about empowering his teammates, working to get buy-in from the entire squad. That cohesion shows up in the way Cleveland plays—sharing the ball, playing defense, and executing late-game situations.

If the Cavs break through the East, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Mitchell taking home the MVP hardware. His mix of selflessness, scoring ability, and leadership in crunch time is tailor-made for a Finals series where narratives matter as much as stats.

Stephen Curry (+2000)

Don’t sleep on Steph Curry when it comes to Finals MVP value. Even at 37 years old, Curry remains one of the most impactful players in the league, ranking 7th in overall impact and 5th in expected wins (per DunksAndThrees). He’s behind only Jokic and Shai in offensive efficiency, with a wild 125.4 Offensive Rating (4th) and 18.4 Net Rating (1st) among high-usage players. That’s not just elite for his age—it’s elite, period. And he’s doing all this while the Warriors managed to bounce back from a tough start to the season.

While the road to the Finals won’t be easy—Golden State is currently tied 1-1 with the Rockets in the first round—it’s impossible to count Curry out in the postseason. If the Warriors get through Houston, Curry’s path to Finals MVP becomes viable, especially with Jimmy Butler nursing a tailbone injury that could sideline him or limit his effectiveness. If the injury lingers, that opens a clearer lane for Curry and company to capitalize in the West.

What makes Curry’s case even more compelling is his efficiency. Averaging 29.4 points per game on 51/43/89 splits with a 68.5% true shooting percentage, he’s been playing at an MVP-caliber level, especially since the Warriors added Butler at the deadline.

And don’t forget the narrative. Curry’s been consistently rated as a Top 5-6 offensive impact player all season and has kept the Warriors afloat even when they hovered around .500. If Golden State makes a run and Curry stays hot, voters will have a hard time ignoring his heroics. At +2000, he’s offering prime value as a Finals MVP sleeper.

Best NBA Finals MVP Betting Value

The following NBA players offer betting value based on their current odds:

Nikola Jokic (+7000)

It’s wild to see Nikola Jokic sitting at +7000 for Finals MVP given the level he’s playing at this season. The two-time Finals MVP and reigning league MVP averaged a triple-double for the year—29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists—while also hitting career highs in points, assists, and 3-point percentage (41.7%). The numbers are absurd, but what makes them even more impressive is that Jokic has been carrying one of the weakest supporting casts he’s had since becoming a superstar in Denver.

The Nuggets are currently trailing 2-1 to the Clippers in their first-round series, which explains why Jokic’s odds have drifted this far. But let’s be real: if anyone can flip a series on its head, it’s Jokic. His all-time great efficiency and decision-making make him a constant threat to dominate any matchup, and he’s shown time and again that he can elevate his play under postseason pressure.

If Denver claws back into this series and makes a run to the Finals, it’s virtually impossible to imagine anyone but Jokic winning MVP if they take the title. His usage rate, production, and ability to control games make him the engine of the Nuggets’ entire system. Betting on Jokic here is essentially betting on a Denver resurgence—a scenario that’s not nearly as unlikely as these long odds suggest.

At +7000, Jokic is the kind of high-upside flier that sharp bettors love. He’s the best player in the world having arguably the best season of his career. If the Nuggets get hot, those odds will shrink fast.

Anthony Edwards (+4500)

If the Timberwolves are going to shock the world this postseason, Anthony Edwards will be the driving force—and at +4500, he’s got serious Finals MVP upside. Edwards just wrapped up his best season yet, averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field and a career-high 39.5% from three. His offensive game has matured, blending power and finesse, and he’s become one of the most explosive scorers in the league.

Right now, Minnesota is locked in a 1-1 first-round battle with the Lakers, a tough test for the sixth-seeded Wolves. But Edwards has already shown he’s not afraid of the moment, routinely delivering big performances against top-tier competition. If Minnesota gets past LA, the path to the Finals opens up considerably—especially with higher seeds vulnerable across the West.

What makes Edwards such a sneaky Finals MVP candidate is the narrative. He’s not just putting up numbers—he’s the face of a Timberwolves franchise that’s trying to make history. If they pull off a Cinderella run, Edwards’ star power and highlight-reel plays (like that poster dunk over Jaxson Hayes) will dominate the headlines, making him the clear choice for MVP if Minnesota gets there.

At +4500, you’re betting on both Edwards’ talent and the Timberwolves’ potential to ride his hot hand deep into the playoffs. With the numbers and the spotlight on his side, Ant could be the breakout Finals MVP we didn’t see coming.

Top NBA Finals MVP Longshot

If you’re looking for a longshot Finals MVP ticket with serious upside, Karl-Anthony Towns at +10000 is worth a look. Now with the New York Knicks, Towns just wrapped up one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, ranking 12th in scoring and 2nd in rebounding league-wide. His 52.6% field goal percentage reflects how efficient he’s been, and his ability to stretch the floor with 42% shooting from three makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing bigs.

The Knicks currently lead their first-round series against the Pistons 2-1, and Towns has already flashed his potential to take over games, like his 31-point outing in Game 3. If New York keeps this momentum going and makes a deep playoff run, Towns’ offensive versatility will be at the heart of it. His mix of inside scoring, rebounding dominance, and three-point shooting gives him the profile of a player who could swing a Finals series.

What makes Towns especially intriguing for Finals MVP is that he can fill up the stat sheet in multiple ways. Alongside Jalen Brunson, Towns gives the Knicks a formidable 1-2 punch, but it’s his size and scoring efficiency that make him the type of player who could dominate a Finals matchup. If he strings together a few dominant performances on the biggest stage, he could steal the MVP spotlight.

At +10000, you’re getting one of the league’s most skilled big men at a massive discount. If the Knicks surprise the East and reach the Finals, Towns could be the reason why—and those odds will look like a steal.

NBA Finals MVP Predictions

Jayson Tatum at +300 is the best value on the board for Finals MVP, even with the lingering concern over his wrist bone bruise. Tatum is the undisputed leader of that group, and his ability to impact both ends of the floor—whether he’s pouring in points, grabbing boards, or locking down defensively—makes him the front-runner for MVP if Boston captures the title.

Even with the wrist issue, Tatum has played through pain before, and the Celtics’ depth allows him to manage his workload without needing to carry the scoring load every night. The Celtics are still the champs, and I’ll believe someone can beat them in a 7-game series when I see it.

Narrative-wise, Tatum is in prime position. After coming up short in the Finals two years ago and seeing Jaylen Brown win Finals MVP last year, this feels like Tatum’s moment to shine. He’s nearly over 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists this season, and his two-way versatility ensures he’ll be involved in every critical moment down the stretch.

If Boston gets back to the Finals—which seems likely given their path—Tatum will have every opportunity to be the centerpiece. At +300, you’re getting solid value on a player who combines elite production, team success, and a redemption narrative all in one. Tatum is my NBA pick to win the Finals MVP.

Bet: Jayson Tatum (+300)

NBA Finals MVP List

The following is a list of the most recent NBA Finals MVP winners: