NBA · 1 year ago

NBA Most Improved Player Race at the Break: White Closing the Gap

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

BetMGM Sportsbook Insights: Most Improved Player of the Year
Highest Ticket%: Tyrese Maxey 12.4%
Highest Handle%: Tyrese Maxey 26.1%
Biggest Liability: Tyrese Haliburton (now off the board)
Odds Leader: Tyrese Maxey -160

While the award is likely still Maxey’s to lose, White is quickly gaining steam, and Sengun can certainly not be ruled out. It’s all pointing to an exciting finish.
PHI Tyrese Maxey (-160)
Opening Odds: +1200 | Last Week: -250 | Ticket%: 12.4% | Handle%: 26.1%

2023-24 Stats: 25.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Tyrese Maxey’s ascension has quickly made Sixer fans forget about James Harden’s ugly departure. Averaging 25.7 PPG, Maxey was awarded for his outstanding play, being named an All-Star for the first time in his career. An elite second option alongside superstar Joel Embiid, the 23-year-old has had to carry even more of the offensive load following the former’s injury. Maxey’s MIP odds have lengthened from last week, but he remains the rightful favorite.
CHI Coby White (+400)
Opening Odds: Off the Board | Last Week: +600 | Ticket%: 12.4% | Handle%: 26.1%

2023-24 Stats: 19.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG

It may have taken a little longer than Bulls fans anticipated, but Coby White has finally emerged as a legitimate building block for the franchise. Drafted seventh overall in 2019, White was the subject of trade rumors last year amidst the worst season of his career. However, that’s all changed in 2023-24, as the 24-year-old has taken full advantage of Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine’s absences, nearly doubling his scoring average to 19.6 PPG on 46.3% shooting, including 39.7% from downtown. White has leapfrogged Houston’s Alperen Sengun for second on the MIP odds board and looks to be Maxey’s biggest threat.
HOU Alperen Sengun (+750)
Opening Odds: +1800 | Last Week: +500 | Ticket%: 4.1% | Handle%: 5.7%

2023-24 Stats: 21.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Just 21 years old, Alperen Sengun already looks like one of the best centers in the NBA. The Turkish native has taken a massive leap in his third year, averaging a team-leading 21.2 PPG while showcasing impressive playmaking skills for a big man (5.0 APG). A solid rebounder, Sengun has also made strides defensively under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka - one of the knocks through his first two campaigns. Sengun's dropped to third in MIP odds, but that could change with plenty of basketball to play.
GSW Jonathan Kuminga (+800)
Opening Odds: +5000 | Last Week: +1000 | Ticket%: 6.4% | Handle%: 6.8%

2023-24 Stats: 15.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG

After expressing frustration over his role earlier in the season, Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga has since taken full advantage of his increased opportunity. Kuminga has started 11 of the Warriors’ past 16 games, scoring 20 or more points in ten of those contests. Providing a much-needed blend of youth and athleticism, the 21-year-old appears to have cemented his place as a core piece of the Dubs' future.
BetMGM Sportsbook Insights: Most Improved Player of the Year
Highest Ticket%: Tyrese Maxey 12.4%
Highest Handle%: Tyrese Maxey 26.1%
Biggest Liability: Tyrese Haliburton (now off the board)
Odds Leader: Tyrese Maxey -160

While the award is likely still Maxey’s to lose, White is quickly gaining steam, and Sengun can certainly not be ruled out. It’s all pointing to an exciting finish.
PHI Tyrese Maxey (-160)
Opening Odds: +1200 | Last Week: -250 | Ticket%: 12.4% | Handle%: 26.1%

2023-24 Stats: 25.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Tyrese Maxey’s ascension has quickly made Sixer fans forget about James Harden’s ugly departure. Averaging 25.7 PPG, Maxey was awarded for his outstanding play, being named an All-Star for the first time in his career. An elite second option alongside superstar Joel Embiid, the 23-year-old has had to carry even more of the offensive load following the former’s injury. Maxey’s MIP odds have lengthened from last week, but he remains the rightful favorite.