Image Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

2025-26 NBA Most Improved Player Odds: Favorites, Best Bets and Longshots

Image Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

As the NBA 2025-26 season approaches the All-Star break, the latest odds for Most Improved Player Award have pulled up. Deni Avdija is leading the charts at -140 on FanDuel. Following him are Jalen Johnson at +410 and Keyonte George at +500. Several other young players are alive at longer odds and prices. The Most Improved Player rewards a huge surge in production from a player, often tied to their increased role, better efficiency or team’s success.

Here, we breakdown the current 2025-26 NBA Most Improved Player odds, key contenders, value plays and longshots worth watching.

2025-26 NBA Most Improved Player Odds: Top Contenders

Player	Team	Best Odds	Implied Probability	Notes
Deni Avdija	Portland Trail Blazers	-140	58.5%	Becomes first Israeli named to NBA All-Star Game
Jalen Johnson	Atlanta Hawks	+410	19.6%	Leads Hawks in scoring, rebounding, and assist-making
Keyonte George	Utah Jazz	+500	16.6%	Averages over 24 points per game.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker	Atlanta Hawks	+1500	6.25%	Second-leading Hawks’ scorer.

Odds from FanDuel, updated on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6 am ET. Lines may move as the season progresses.

Favorites to Win Most Improved Player This NBA Season

Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers (-140)

Deni Avjida has seen a big lead in his sixth NBA season, where he is averaging 25.5 points per game on 46.7% shooting from the field and 35.6% from deep. Avdija finished the last season averaging around 17 points per game, so the difference is clear and prominent. The Trail Blazers have leaned on him as their primary creator, and undoubtedly, his high usage has made him the clear betting favorite. At -140, the odds reflect his strong lead and high chances of taking the honors home, there is a limited value, unless he drifts closer to even money.

Jalen Jonhson, Atlanta Hawks (+410)

Leading the Hawks across multiple statistical categories including scoring, rebounding, and assist-making, Johnson is averaging 23.1 ppg, 10.5 rpg, and 8.0 apg. Shooting almost 50% from the field and 36.0% from the three-point range, Johnson has become a key part of the Hawks’ core. At +410, he is offering a solid value if he maintains this level throughout the second half and the team pushes for a playoff spot.

Contenders with Betting Value

Keyonte George, Utah Jazz (+500)

Playing his third season in the league, George has seen a significant surge in his production. Having finished the previous year at an average of 16.8 ppg, the youngster is currently dropping 24.2 points per game. He is shooting 45.9% from the field and converting 37.7% from the three-point range. His efficiency and scoring surge make him a real threat if the Jazz stay competitive. At +500, his odds feel closer to around 15-20% if he stays consistent.

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Longshot Picks and Sleepers

Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons (+5000)

Not only is Duren the second-leading scorer for the Pistons, but he is also dominating the glass with 10.7 rebounds per game. In addition to it, he is forcing 2 turnovers per game. If the Pistons continue to dominate the standings the way they are doing, he could see a surge towards the playoffs. At +5000, Duren is a very speculative player with a massive payout potential.

Most Improved Player Odds Movement and Market Storyline

Before the beginning of the season, the Houston Rockets’ star Amen Thompson was leading the odds at +800. Matas Buzelis was following him at +1400, while Avdija was at third spot with +1600 odds. Josh Giddey and Jalen Duren had booked themselves fourth and the fifth spots at +2000 and +8000, respectively.

However, as the season progressed, the odds saw a dramatic shift as other players recorded better efficiency. Currently, Avdija is leading the charts, and if he gets injured, we could see Jalen Johnson or Keyonte George rise up to the occasion and close the gap. Fans can expect another shift in odds post the All-Star break.

How We are Betting NBA Most Improved Player Right Now

Best Bet: Deni Avdija is clearly the favorite to take the trophy and we back him at this price.
Best Value Pick: Jalen Johnson at +410- He has stepped up and taken responsibility for his side. Johnson is excelling across multiple categories and we would want to see him making his case strong.
Longshot Filter: Jalen Duren at +5000- Duren has shouldered scoring responsibility for his side, reducing pressure on Cade Cunningham. If the Pistons stay elite, we might see him surging up in the odds table.

Historical Trends and Past Winners

Who Usually Wins Most Improved Player?

The winners of the award have been mostly young players, who have seen a significant boost in their efficiency and production. Guards and wins mostly dominate. The last time a center won the award was in 2006 when Boris Diaw was named the Most Improved Player.

Recent Winners

YEAR	PLAYER	POSITION	TEAM
2025	Dyson Daniels	G	Atlanta Hawks
2024	Tyrese Maxey	PG	Philadelphia 76ers
2023	Lauri Markkanen	PF	Utah Jazz
2022	Ja Morant	PG	Memphis Grizzlies
2021	Julius Randle	PF	New York Knicks
2020	Brandon Ingram	F	New Orleans Pelicans
2019	Pascal Siakam	F	Toronto Raptors
2018	Victor Oladipo	G	Indiana Pacers
2017	Giannis Antetokounmpo	F	Milwaukee Bucks
2016	CJ McCollum	G	Portland Trail Blazers