Tatum, Doncic Battle for NBA Title, and Finals MVP

And then there were two. The Celtics and the Mavericks meet in the NBA Finals and while the

championship is at stake, so is the Finals MVP. History tells us a team’s best player usually will

win this award, the only real exception in the last decade was Andre Iguodala who won in 2015

with the Warriors. So let’s check out the latest odds and who may take the honors in 2024.

Jayson Tatum -115

The Celtics have been cruising along winning 7 straight games while losing just two in the

playoffs. After being quiet in the first round Jayson Tatum has cranked up his production

averaging 26 PPG, 10.4 REB, and 5.9 AST through 14 games. He’ll be expected to be a big

part of Boston’s game plan against Dallas. But at less than even money, you may want to look

elsewhere if you think the Celtics will win another title.

Luka Doncic +200

Like Tatum, Luka Doncic is another All-NBA First Team player who has carried his team in the

playoffs. He was the scoring leader in the regular season (33.9 PPG) and while he is putting up

fewer points, he’s the most important piece to the Mavericks offense. 28.3 PPG, 9.3 boards, 9

assists and also contributing defensively averaging 1.7 steals per game and 0.5 blocks to boot.

Any chance of Dallas winning it all runs through the success of Doncic.

Jaylen Brown +650

The Celtics shooting guard has been fabulous in the playoffs and took over against the Pacers

in the Conference Finals to earn MVP honors, stealing it away from teammate, Jayson Tatum.

Brown is putting up 25 PPG, 6.1 REB, 2.6 AST, and also hitting almost 37% from beyond the

arc. If the Mavs decide to double-team Tatum, and clamp down on him, Brown could be

counted on even more, and at his price, you can’t deny the value.

Kyrie Irving +1400

He’s been enigmatic, hot and cold through the playoffs but Kyrie Irving is the only Mavericks

player in the rotation with a championship ring. After scoring 22 or fewer points in the second

round against OKC, Irving dropped 30 in the opener against the T-wolves. If Doncic struggles,

Irving will be called upon to carry the load and if the Mavs somehow pull off the upset, he could

steal the MVP honors at long odds.

NBA Finals MVP Odds

Jayson Tatum -115

Luka Doncic +200

Jaylen Brown +650

Kyrie Irving +1400

RECENT FINALS MVP

2023 Nikola Jokic Denver

2022 Steph Curry Golden State

2021 Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee

2020 LeBron James L.A.

2019 Kawhi Leonard Toronto

2018 Kevin Durant Golden State

2017 Kevin Durant Golden State

2016 LeBron James Cleveland

2015 Andre Iguodala Golden State

2014 Kawhi Leonard San Antonio