It seems this season's NBA MVP candidates are playing humble about wanting the award. Zach Harper explains why this should change.

Look at the betting odds and one would think the NBA MVP race is over. According to BetMGM, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is -2000 to win his first MVP award this season, while defending MVP Nikola Jokic is second at +800.

Over the last week, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 48 points on the Pistons (and Cade Cunningham), then followed up with 31 (and eight assists vs. one turnover) on the Bucks (and Giannis Antetokounmpo). Both were victories and in those games against two players on the Kia MVP Ladder and he was the most important player on the floor.

The Oklahoma City Thunder recently faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies in an intense game at Paycom Center. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance, playing for 34 minutes and scoring 37 points, along with six assists and three rebounds.

If you look at the betting markets, the race for the 2024-25 NBA MVP isn't particularly close. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is listed as a -850 favorite at a handful of books. Nuggets big man and three-time MVP winner Nikola Jokić is seen as a 4-to-1 or 5-to-1 underdog.

The Thunder's recent performance outlines their potential to contend for a championship. Achieving a league-leading record, Oklahoma City has showcased a unique blend of youth and talent, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm.

For former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, Doncic would have the upper hand against Gilgeous-Alexander in a potential Lakers-Thunder matchup in the playoffs. In his latest Gil's Arena podcast, Arenas said that the referees will favor Doncic more than Shai in a playoff series, making Doncic a more effective player than the MVP candidate.