The fourth consecutive matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers is upon us and it comes as no surprise as both teams were favorites to reach the NBA Finals during the last offseason. The Warriors have the big opportunity to defend the title they won last year when they defeated the Cavs in five games, and after elimination of the Houston Rockets in seven games in the Western Conference finals, it seems that Cleveland doesn’t stand a chance on this one. However, LeBron James drove his time thus far and he already won the NBA Finals MVP award two seasons ago, and following his heroics in the playoffs, he is among the most serious contenders to do it again.
Check out the list of potential candidates for the NBA Finals MVP award as we offered our opinion and odds (provided by BetDSI Sportsbook) to go with it.
- Kevin Durant (-150)
The last year’s NBA Finals MVP has the opportunity to defend the prestigious title as the bookies see him as the biggest candidate after excellent displays in the postseason when he averages 29.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 4.1 apg. Last season, in comparison, the Durantula averaged 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists over five games in the finals and deservedly won the award, but this time around, he has a strong competition in one of his teammates – Steph Curry.
- Steph Curry (+170)
Curry is in the hunt for his first NBA Finals MVP title after missing out last year despite averaging nearly triple-double in the finals; 26.8 points, 9.4 assists and 8.0 rebounds, so the point guard will try to do it now, and our opinion is that he has a solid chance. Although Curry endured a bit weaker postseason than Durant, 24.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.9 apg, and 1.82 spg, he has a rather favorable matchup with Cleveland, and while all the Cavs attention will be on Durant, Steph could hurt them from fast breaks and, of course, from downtown.
- LeBron James (+600)
If the NBA ends today, there is no doubt LeBron would win the MVP award for his out-of-this-planet performances in the playoffs, but he has to repeat his heroics against the Warriors, and that will not be easy. James managed to claim the MVP title in 2016, but this time around, the team is relying on him way more than it was the case in the previous three finals, and Golden State will have a contingent of players to guard The King.
Andre Iguodala, who did that job almost perfectly in 2015 and surprisingly won the MVP award for his contribution on both ends of the floor will likely miss the opening couple of tilts, so this is LeBron’s chance to shine with Iggy on the sidelines. James averages 34.0 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 8.8 apg, 1.39 spg, and 1.06 bpg so far in the playoffs, and if he continues in that fashion in the finals, even if the Cavs lose, he can become the first player since Jerry West in 1969, to win Finals MVP from a losing team.
- Draymond Green (+1200)
One of the most versatile players in the league, Green is flying on the floor and is the Warriors top assist-maker and rebounder, averaging nearly triple-double per contest in the postseason. Draymond will probably have more responsibilities in the defense as long as Iguodala is injured, so he will be James’ designated guardian. That being said, Green could do what his teammate Iggy did in 2015, but picking him over scoring monsters such as three players above in this list is a long shot.
- Klay Thompson (+1400)
Thompson is a well-known sharp-shooter and a constant threat from beyond the arc, but in all honesty, he doesn’t contribute in other areas except in scoring, so if you’re going to put your money on some other player than Durant and Curry, you better select Green who is a more dimensional player. Klay has 20.5 ppg and 4.2 rpg in the playoffs, and he simply isn’t the MVP material, but nonetheless, he has the ability to make damage in the finals.
- Kevin Love (+5000)
We will conclude our list with Kevin Love, whose numbers drastically dropped this season, especially in the postseason when almost every offensive play revolved around LeBron. Love averages 13.9 ppg and 10.0 rpg in 17 games in the playoffs, and although there is no doubt he will probably continue with a double-double displays in this series, he is not a serious candidate to win an MVP award.
The Verdict:
I’m expecting the Warriors to beat the Cavs again and win their second straight championship, and this time around, I’m backing Steph Curry to win the MVP award as he never won it before, and I believe he deserves it. Picking him out of the bunch would almost triple your stake, but if you’re looking for a “sure shot”, then go with Kevin Durant.
