The 5 Stars I’m Most Excited to See in the 2024 NBA Playoffs
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Paolo Banchero - Orlando
It might surprise some people that I have Paolo Banchero as someone I'm excited about watching in the postseason. Banchero has helped the Orlando Magic reach playoff status in the Eastern Conference after leading them to a 47-35 record. The buzz wasn't there for Banchero coming out of college despite him being a top pick, and he's proven many people wrong. Banchero plays a fun style of basketball and it'll be interesting to see how he manages in the playoffs.
NBA Finals MVP Odds: +17000
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Nikola Jokic - Denver
After taking the league by storm last season and leading the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title, Nikola Jokic is no longer flying under the radar. Jokic might have missed out on the three-peat last year in the MVP race, but he was back to his old tricks again this time and likely secured another MVP. If you're a fan of creativity in basketball, Jokic is the cream of the crop. The Joker can do anything on the basketball court, which makes viewers such as myself glued to the TV every time he takes the court. You can lock it in that we won't miss a game of Jokic and the Nuggets playoff run in 2024.
NBA Finals MVP Odds: +310
Jayson Tatum - Boston
We've been waiting for Jayson Tatum to help lead the Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship, and this is the best shot they've had with this collective core. It's on Tatum to help lead them there. Tatum knows the importance of rings to a player's legacy in the NBA, and it's time to put up or shut up. I'll watch Tatum closely during this playoff run to see if he has what it takes to lead the Celtics and finish the job. The clock is ticking, and there's no better time than now.
NBA Finals MVP Odds: +250
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City
The time of the Oklahoma City Thunder hoarding draft picks is over, and the team has started to reap the rewards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was an MVP candidate this year and, by all accounts, will finish in the top three in voting. The Canadian star put together an absurd season, and if you look at his overall track record, it won't be a surprise to see that continue for the Thunder in the playoffs. Some players are made for this time of year, and it will be interesting to follow this budding superstar to see what he's made of.
NBA Finals MVP Odds: +1900
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Anthony Edwards - Minnesota
Anthony Edwards has continued to develop into a bonafide superstar in the NBA. Edwards helped lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a top-three seed in the Western Conference and will be a key for this group if they do damage in the postseason. Edwards can do it all, whether you want a strong shooting game, a big slam, or a defensive stop. This kid is just 22 years old and on the cusp of being one of the faces of the NBA.
NBA Finals MVP Odds: +2300
Paolo Banchero - Orlando
It might surprise some people that I have Paolo Banchero as someone I'm excited about watching in the postseason. Banchero has helped the Orlando Magic reach playoff status in the Eastern Conference after leading them to a 47-35 record. The buzz wasn't there for Banchero coming out of college despite him being a top pick, and he's proven many people wrong. Banchero plays a fun style of basketball and it'll be interesting to see how he manages in the playoffs.
NBA Finals MVP Odds: +17000
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Nikola Jokic - Denver
After taking the league by storm last season and leading the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title, Nikola Jokic is no longer flying under the radar. Jokic might have missed out on the three-peat last year in the MVP race, but he was back to his old tricks again this time and likely secured another MVP. If you're a fan of creativity in basketball, Jokic is the cream of the crop. The Joker can do anything on the basketball court, which makes viewers such as myself glued to the TV every time he takes the court. You can lock it in that we won't miss a game of Jokic and the Nuggets playoff run in 2024.
NBA Finals MVP Odds: +310
