NBA 2020 MVP Odds: Antetokounmpo leads the way in the MVP race

Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the “Greek Freak”, opened as the MVP frontrunner way back in July 2019. After the month of October, the Milwaukee Bucks power forward is still going strong in the running for the NBA MVP 2020. Antetokounmpo’s odds are rather surprising, given that the towering Greek has failed to replicate his scoring numbers from last season. The Bucks are also experiencing somewhat of a downturn, which could mean that they might struggle to maintain the momentum required to replicate their 60-win pace from last season.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns surprisingly had distant odds during the beginning. The Dominican has been on a rampage for the Timberwolves this season. Given that Towns is currently averaging 27.3 points and 11.5 rebounds while shooting 53 percent on over eight 3-point attempts per game, his distant odds of 100-1 has perplexed NBA fans this season.

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NBA MVP 2020: Giannis Antetokounmpo, the favourite

Prior to the start of the NBA 2019-20 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo stood among the favourites to retain the NBA MVP award, having secured his first title in the 2018-19 season. The list of favourites saw Antetokounmpo followed by James Harden, LA Clippers' new signing Kawhi Leonard, Warriors' star Steph Curry and the Lakers' duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. 

Just like Karl-Anthony Towns, Pascal Siakam was another of those touted as long shots for the 2020 MVP. However, after impressing in the opening week, the Raptors' power forward now ranks fifth in the NBA at scoring at 28 points per game. This is a significant improvement from last season when he averaged 16.9.

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NBA MVP 2020: Curry out, AD in? 

Two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry, meanwhile, has seen his odds plummet in recent weeks. Curry, who is the only player to have been unanimously selected as MVP in the history of the NBA, entered the 2019-20 season as the second favourite. However, the Warriors star sustained a fracture in his left hand during the Warriors' 121-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns. His injury, coupled with the Warriors' unfortunate start to the season means that the two-time MVP faces tough odds in the MVP running this time.

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Steph Curry's drop is Anthony Davis' win. The former Pelicans star led the Lakers' 120-91 rout of the Grizzlies. His 40-point display against the Grizzlies means that the MVP chants for the towering Lakers star will grow louder as the season progresses. 

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