- Giannis Antetokounmpo has the same odds (-400) as the Milwaukee Bucks’ odds to win the NBA Finals.
- Khris Middleton is a +2400 underdog to win Finals MVP but has been the Bucks clutch time scorer.
- The Phoenix Suns guards in Chris Paul (+600) and Devin Booker (+550) need two wins before serious consideration.
MILWAUKEE – With the first elimination game of the 2021 NBA Finals present, the talks of NBA Finals MVP have become the talk of online sports betting sites. Giannis Antetokounmpo is now the clear favorite (-400) after opening the series at -120 (2nd place behind Chris Paul).
With the Milwaukee Bucks a win away from their first title in a few decades, it is assumed the Finals MVP will follow as only the inaugural award was given to a member of the losing team (Jerry West).
With this, all eyes point to a battle between Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo; however, NBA betting sites are only listing the latter on the oddsboard.
Live 2021 Finals MVP Odds
- Giannis Antetokounmpo -400
- Devin Booker +550
- Chris Paul +600
Though Middleton is not listed at BetOnline, he can be found at other betting sites for +2400 odds to take the award from his teammate in Antetokounmpo, but is there value there?
Middleton has played extremely consistent throughout the NBA Finals, sans his 11-point Game 2 where he shot 5/16. Still, Middleton is the closer for the Bucks, averaging a 2021 playoff-fifth-best 4.9 points in clutch time with a plus/minus of +3.5.
Further, Middleton has key games behind him pushing himself into the conversation.
Middleton Notable NBA Finals Moments
- Four games with 3+ 3PM
- Every game 6+ rebounds
- Three games with 2 or fewer turnovers
While Middleton’s NBA Finals numbers are around the norm compared to his playoff averages, his scoring (23.9 to 25.4) and assists (5.1 to 5.4) have increased on a per-game average. However, past NBA Finals trends show that is against history and would become only the fifth guard (Billups, Wade, Parker, Bryant) to win a Finals MVP since 2000.
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Giannis Or Nobody
While an excellent storyline is present for Middleton winning, it would take a collapse from Antetokounmpo in Game 6 (and/or 7) for this to occur. Antetokounmpo is leading both teams in total points, rebounds, free throws made, and blocks and has already cemented himself in NBA Finals history.
After Games 2 and 3, Antetokounmpo joined Shaquille O’Neal as the only two players to score 40+ points and grab 10+ rebounds in consecutive Finals games. Further, Antetokounmpo is one of two players to score 100 points alongside 40 rebounds in their first three Finals games.
With an average of 32.2 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 1.4 spg, 1.2 bpg, Giannis has two 40 point games (on 61.2% shooting), a game-saving block, and many other moments that have locked him in as Finals MVP.
The Suns’ Comeback
Aside from Giannis, Middleton will also be battling against the duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Assuming a two-game comeback from the Suns, it would seem impossible for Middleton to take the award.
As Chris Paul has increased some averages with three 20-point games, his 3.6 turnovers per game and total free throw attempts of eight have kept him out of the debate. In fact, he is not even in NBA Finals MVP Ladder.
For Booker, only his scoring has increased (averaging 30 in the Finals) but two 40 point games and one with 7 3PM give him highlight over Middleton if the Suns’ comeback becomes true.
With longshot Finals MVP odds on Middleton available, it appears the plays would be taking Antetokounmpo at -400 (which is also the Bucks series price odds) or taking a chance on Devin Booker (+550) and the Suns.
Michael spends most of his time betting on over/unders and analyzing algorithms in attempts to beat the book. His focus on statistics comes from an early understanding of mathematics as well as knowledge of opportunity costs. Michael enjoys playing basketball and reading about the NBA whenever he has the free time. When he is not writing, he can be found in Mississippi hitting the sportsbooks and enjoying a margarita… on the rocks, no salt.
