NBA 2024-25 Season Individual Awards Predictions | NBA Picks & Best Bets
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
NBA MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+380)
The NBA MVP race has been highly contentious for the past several years, and this season, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic are the top three favorites. Luka is atop the board, but to be frank, it feels like people have found a way not to give him the award. Even though it feels like it’s “his turn” to be MVP, the Dallas Mavericks could also have some growing pains in the regular season that limit their success and hurt his MVP chances. Looking at Jokic, I predict some regression from the Denver Nuggets, and I also can’t see the NBA giving Jokic a fourth MVP. That leaves SGA, barring someone coming out of nowhere to win the award, and I see a ton of value in him winning the award. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be good this season, and SGA will be a well-rounded 30+ point scorer with the statistical backing to win the MVP. His main competition is Luka. However, as long as the Thunder have a better record than the Mavs, I can’t see the MVP going to Luka over SGA. At +380, Oklahoma City, you have yourself another MVP.
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Clutch Player of the Year: Ja Morant (+1500)
The Clutch Player of the Year award goes to someone who can captivate headlines and be a hot topic of discussion. I expect Ja Morant to fit both molds this upcoming season. His Memphis Grizzlies will be good, and given the makeup of their team, they are always a hot topic in NBA circles. All Morant needs is a buzzer-beater under his belt and a few critical performances against prominent opponents to be in the conversation for this award, and we know he doesn’t shy away from any opportunity. At +1500, I’m confident this line will shrink as the season progresses, so I’ll take the value here.
Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson (+1500)
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished as the fourth seed in the East last season, and they had plenty of bad beats and injuries, yet their season didn’t derail. This Cavs team is excellent and loaded with talent, and Kenny Atkinson is a quality coach who I’m excited to see work with this team. Atkinson has turned down head coaching jobs for years as he wanted to “wait for the right opportunity,” so there is a reason he said yes to this job. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Cavs stole the second seed in the East, putting Atkinson squarely into the Coach of the Year conversation. At +1500, lock me in!
Sixth Man of the Year: Donte DiVincenzo (+1500)
Winning the Sixth Man of the Year award is about being on a great team and controlling the narrative. The Minnesota Timberwolves will be great this season, and Donte DiVincenzo has the benefit of still being closely followed after spending time in the New York market. On the court, he now enters a perfect opportunity with the Wolves, who are looking to use him as a Swiss Army knife off the bench. He will have plenty of opportunities to dominate off the bench for the Wolves, not just as a spot shooter like how the Knicks used him. I’m confident he’ll be a finalist for this award. At +1500, we’re getting an excellent price for a key figure on a great team - everything you need for Sixth Man of the Year.
Most Improved Player: Jalen Williams (+1100)
To win Most Improved Player, being a contributing piece on a contender is vital. Jalen Williams can become an elite second option and run away with this award. After a strong showing last season, where he averaged 19.1 points per game, imagine if Williams takes a leap to where he averaged around 22-23 points and enters the West All-Star conversation. Both things are possible, so how could he not win MIP in that scenario? Looking at other contenders for the award, I don’t expect Victor Wembanyama to win MIP if he’s a lock to win DPOY, and I can’t see Josh Giddey’s or Jonathan Kuminga’s teams being good enough to help their case for the award. Frankly, this is Williams’s award to lose. We’ll bet him with confidence at +1100.
Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama (-155)
Victor Wembanyama is a lock to win Defensive Player of the Year. He’s priced at -155, for crying out loud! After Wemby averaged 3.6 blocks per game in his rookie season, the expectation is he’ll average four this upcoming season, which will be more than enough to claim this trophy.
Rookie of the Year: Zach Edey (+290)
The 2024 rookie case is notoriously weak and full of raw prospects, allowing Zach Edey to be the overwhelming favorite for Rookie of the Year honors despite being picked ninth. The Memphis Grizzlies will be good this season, and Edey will be in the starting lineup. Unless another rookie comes out of nowhere, all Edey has to do is not be awful to win this award. He’ll have the notoriety of being a prominent college player to fuel the narrative behind him and will be a crucial producer on a winning team. Even though we’d like a better price at +290, he holds all the value.
NBA MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+380)
The NBA MVP race has been highly contentious for the past several years, and this season, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic are the top three favorites. Luka is atop the board, but to be frank, it feels like people have found a way not to give him the award. Even though it feels like it’s “his turn” to be MVP, the Dallas Mavericks could also have some growing pains in the regular season that limit their success and hurt his MVP chances. Looking at Jokic, I predict some regression from the Denver Nuggets, and I also can’t see the NBA giving Jokic a fourth MVP. That leaves SGA, barring someone coming out of nowhere to win the award, and I see a ton of value in him winning the award. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be good this season, and SGA will be a well-rounded 30+ point scorer with the statistical backing to win the MVP. His main competition is Luka. However, as long as the Thunder have a better record than the Mavs, I can’t see the MVP going to Luka over SGA. At +380, Oklahoma City, you have yourself another MVP.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Clutch Player of the Year: Ja Morant (+1500)
The Clutch Player of the Year award goes to someone who can captivate headlines and be a hot topic of discussion. I expect Ja Morant to fit both molds this upcoming season. His Memphis Grizzlies will be good, and given the makeup of their team, they are always a hot topic in NBA circles. All Morant needs is a buzzer-beater under his belt and a few critical performances against prominent opponents to be in the conversation for this award, and we know he doesn’t shy away from any opportunity. At +1500, I’m confident this line will shrink as the season progresses, so I’ll take the value here.
