Technically, NBA’s All-Star Break isn’t the halfway point (yeah, we’re also asking ourselves how that’s possible) but it’s a great time to reflect and preview the final months of the season.There’s been a lot of surprises since opening tip and most of the awards are still up for grabs.
MVP: Joel Embiid
+125 (bet $100 → $125)Despite all the drama surrounding the 76ers this season, Joel Embiid – without Ben Simmons – has dominated on both ends of the floor. A season after finishing as the MVP runner-up, Embiid leads the NBA in scoring (29.6 points per game) and ranks top-10 in rebounds (11.2) and blocks (1.4) while carrying the Sixers to third in the East.
DPOY: Rudy Gobert
+175 (bet $100 → $175)Rudy Gobert’s dominance as an interior defender cannot be overstated. The Jazz’s defensive anchor is on track to snag his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award in five seasons, which would make him the third athlete to earn the honor (Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace). He leads the NBA in blocks (2.3) and defensive rebounds (11.3).
ROTY: Evan Mobley
-350 (bet $350 → $100)The two teams that passed on Evan Mobley might be kicking themselves as the No. 3 pick has solidified his presence down low, ranking third among rookies in points (14.9) and leading rookies in rebounds (8.1) and blocks (1.6). The rook has played an integral role in the Cavs’ surge to the seventh-best record in the league with the best net rating among teams in the East, and third-best defense in the NBA.
MIP: Ja Morant
-400 (bet $400 → $100)In Ja Morant’s third season, MVP is still off the table, but MIP is well within reach as he’s tallying a career-high 26.8 points per game while guiding the Grizzlies to one of the top records in the West. Memphis’ star is ranked sixth in scoring while averaging 6.9 assists and 5.8 rebounds. The numbers only tell half the story, as anyone who watches him work can tell he’s the future.
6MOTY: Tyler Herro
-1000 (bet $1000 → $100)Tyler Herro’s impact off the bench is absolutely absurd. He leads all non-starters in scoring, averaging 20.7 points a night while shooting 38.3% from three. Those stats make him one of only three players (Devin Booker, Steph Curry) hitting at least 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists a night, while also shooting at least 38 percent from behind the arc.
COTY: Monty Williams, J.B. Bickerstaff
-250 (bet $250 → $100), +320 (bet $100 → $320)Following last year’s heartbreaking defeat in the NBA Finals, Monty Williams has led his squad to the NBA’s best record (48-10) despite a variety of injuries to significant players. The team isn’t clear yet, though. The Suns’ toughest test is about to come as Chris Paul is out six-to-eight weeks with a thumb injury.If you’re feeling uneasy about Phoenix down the stretch without CP3 look no further than the man who has impressed developing his young talent, including ROTY candidate Evan Mobley. J.B. Bickerstaff‘s come up with Cleveland is real, and his unconventional lineup of three players who are all nearly 7-foot is working!
