Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic’s MVP Odds Get A Massive Boost After Monstrous Career-High Performance vs. Timberwolves!

Nikola Jokic's MVP Odds shifted after career-high performance on Tuesday.

Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, April 1, the Denver Nuggets’ star center Nikola Jokic came up with a historic performance and posted his career-high 61 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But, the performance was spoiled by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s two free throws with 0.1 seconds left following a Russell Westbrook’s foul on a three pointer.

As a result, the Wolves secured a wild 140-139 win over the Nuggets in double overtime. While the Nuggets lost the game, the odds of Jokic winning this year’s NBA MVP race surged on several bookmakers, including BetMGM. Jokic, who finished the game with 61 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, saw his odds shifting from +1500 to +1000.

However, even though his odds have seen a huge surge, Jokic still remains an underdog. The Joker still hasn’t locked in his name to defend his title. The OKC Thunder superstar Shai-Gilgeous Alexander still remains ahead of him on the NBA MVP ladder.

The 26-year-old opened the week with heavy odds of -5000, which means 98% chances to win. After Tuesday’s game, his odds moved to -2500, making it a 96.2% probability. It might imply that Jokic still doesn’t hold much of a chance, and SGA could eventually be the season MVP.

Also Read: Nikola Jokic Is Having a Historic Season and It’s Even Better Than His MVP Season Last Year!

SGA or The Joker- Who Deserves to be This Season’s MVP?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been averaging 32.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 72 games that he has played this season. On the other hand, Jokic has been averaging 29.7 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game this season. Both players have recorded their best season so far.

Gilgeous is the highest point scorer this season with a total of 2496 whereas Jokic is trailing him with 1933 points, sitting on the third spot. However, Jokic has made his case by being in the top three of all the categories, including scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. If he continues to maintain the pace, he would become the first player in the NBA to do so.

Also Read: What is Nikola Jokic’s career high? Exploring Nikola Jokic Career High Games

In addition, Jokic has 31 triple doubles this season, a record in itself, whereas SGA hasn’t been able to open his account. Moreover, if we look at the PER, Jokic leads his counterpart with 32.2 while SGA enjoys a PER of 30.9.

If we really look at it, both players are having one of the best seasons of their career, and while SGA’s team records backs this, it is certainly not the case with Jokic. Needless to say, it is a tough pick between the two.

Nikola Jokic

Shai Gilgeous Alexander

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.