NBA Most Improved Player Odds 2026
Of all the various futures bets you can make on an NBA player to win an award, the yearly award given to the NBA’s Most…
Essentially, the NBA’s MIP award is given to a player who bounced back after having a bad season or even a bad start to their career, before piecing together a great season to put themselves back on the radar of NBA fans and pundits alike.
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know before betting in the NBA Most Improved Player futures market, including how the award is selected and the best odds you can find after the midseason All-Star break.
Note: Odds were correct at the time of writing.
Best Sportsbooks for NBA Most Improved Player
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings offers NBA Most Improved Player betting throughout the season, allowing bettors to wager on which player will make the biggest leap in performance. Futures markets are available before the season begins and are updated regularly as breakout candidates emerge.
The award often rewards players who significantly improve their statistics, expand their role, or become key contributors for successful teams. DraftKings provides odds on established young stars as well as under-the-radar candidates.
Highlights:
- Extensive Most Improved Player futures markets
- Frequent odds updates throughout the season
- Additional NBA awards and player futures
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel features NBA Most Improved Player betting on a wide range of players expected to take the next step in their careers. The market evolves throughout the season as breakout performers gain attention.
Bettors can track odds movement while evaluating scoring increases, expanded responsibilities, and overall player development. FanDuel offers a straightforward platform for following the award race.
Highlights:
- Competitive Most Improved Player odds
- User-friendly futures betting experience
- Broad selection of NBA award markets
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM offers NBA Most Improved Player betting with futures available before and during the regular season. Bettors can identify potential breakout stars before the market fully adjusts.
Odds are updated based on player performance, statistical growth, and increased roles within team rotations. Strong improvements across multiple categories often drive award consideration.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive NBA futures coverage
- Regular award odds adjustments
- Multiple player and team futures markets
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook provides NBA Most Improved Player betting as part of its full basketball futures lineup. The award focuses on players who demonstrate substantial growth from one season to the next.
The sportsbook updates odds throughout the season as candidates establish themselves and build momentum. Young players and rising contributors are often among the most popular betting options.
Highlights:
- Season-long Most Improved Player betting
- Broad NBA futures selection
- Additional awards and championship markets
bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365 features NBA Most Improved Player betting alongside a deep menu of basketball futures. Bettors can back emerging players expected to take on larger roles and produce career-best numbers.
Odds move throughout the season as players improve their production and become more valuable to their teams. The market can be especially active during the first half of the season.
Highlights:
- Deep NBA futures markets
- Consistent award odds updates
- Multiple basketball betting options
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers offers NBA Most Improved Player betting throughout the regular season. Futures odds are available on both highly regarded young players and lesser-known candidates.
The award often highlights players who dramatically increase their scoring, efficiency, or overall impact. Bettors can monitor the race and identify potential value as the season progresses.
Highlights:
- Most Improved Player betting all season
- Easy-to-navigate futures markets
- Additional NBA awards wagering
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet features NBA Most Improved Player betting as part of its growing NBA futures portfolio. Bettors can wager on players expected to make significant strides in their development and production.
Odds are adjusted throughout the year as breakout performers separate themselves from the field. Increased playing time, improved statistics, and team success often influence the market.
Highlights:
- Season-long Most Improved Player futures
- Competitive odds on breakout candidates
- Additional NBA awards and futures markets
How is the Winner Decided?
The NBA Most Improved Player Award is given out each season to the player who has shown the most significant improvement from their previous season.
A panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada votes for the award, with each voter selecting their top three choices and ranking them in order from first to third.
Each first-place vote is worth 5 points, with second-place votes worth 3 points and third-place votes worth 1 point.
The player with the most total points among the 100 ballots wins the award, meaning there are various scenarios where a player could have more second-place votes than first-place votes but still ultimately win the award.
Notably, the award typically trends toward a younger player making a leap rather than established stars. So when handicapping the list of options out there, this is something to keep in the back of your mind.
NBA Most Improved Player Betting Odds
The 2025-26 NBA season has provided multiple worthy candidates to bring home the Most Improved Player award this season, but that group has been pared down significantly as the All-Star break approaches.
Here are the main players to watch as the season winds down.
Deni Avdija (-125) at DraftKings – The Favorite
Avdija has a strong case to win NBA Most Improved Player thanks to the steady expansion of his role with the Washington Wizards. Once viewed primarily as a defensive-minded role player, Avdija has taken on far more offensive responsibility, showing clear growth as a scorer, ball-handler, and secondary playmaker.
His increased usage has translated into more consistent production, particularly in transition and half-court sets where he’s become more decisive and confident. This season, he’s averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
Beyond the raw numbers, Avdija’s improvement stands out because it’s tied to real on-court impact. He’s guarding multiple positions, rebounding at a high level, and often serving as a connective piece in the Wizards’ offense.
Voters for Most Improved Player often reward players who make a visible leap in responsibility and influence, and Avdija’s evolution from complementary piece to foundational contributor fits that narrative well — especially on a team actively reshaping its identity around younger talent.
Jalen Johnson (+240) at BetMGM
Johnson (23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists per game) has emerged as a legitimate candidate for this award due to his rapid development with the Atlanta Hawks. After flashing potential in limited minutes early in his career, Johnson has taken a major step forward by earning a consistent, expanded role and capitalizing on it.
His growth as a scorer and rebounder, paired with improved efficiency around the rim, has made him a dependable presence in Atlanta’s frontcourt.
What strengthens Johnson’s MIP case is how clearly his improvement shows up in winning plays. He’s become a versatile defender capable of switching across positions, while also contributing as a secondary playmaker who keeps the offense moving.
That blend of athleticism, energy, and all-around impact has shifted him from a developmental prospect to a core rotation piece, the kind of leap voters often look for when deciding the Most Improved Player award.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (+1000) at FanDuel
While quietly building a strong case for Most Improved Player, Alexander-Walker has seen some major evolution with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Once known primarily as a streaky scorer, Alexander-Walker has reshaped his game into that of a reliable two-way guard, carving out a clear role in a winning rotation and averaging more than 23 points this season.
The shooting efficiency has improved, particularly from three-point range, and he’s shown better decision-making when attacking closeouts or moving the ball within the offense.
What elevates his MIP argument is his defensive growth and overall trust factor. Alexander-Walker is now regularly tasked with guarding top perimeter threats, using his length and discipline to disrupt opposing guards while still contributing offensively.
n a Timberwolves team with legitimate postseason aspirations, his jump from fringe rotation player to dependable, high-impact contributor fits the exact profile voters often reward when recognizing the league’s most improved player.
Keyonte George (+1000) at FanDuel
George has a compelling case as his role with the Utah Jazz continues to grow. After an up-and-down rookie season marked by efficiency swings, George has shown noticeable progress as a primary ball-handler, improving his shot selection while becoming more comfortable orchestrating the offense.
His scoring output has stabilized, and his ability to create off the dribble has made him a consistent offensive option rather than a situational one.
George’s improvement is especially evident in his feel for the game. He’s reading defenses more quickly, limiting forced attempts, and showing better command late in possessions.
On a Jazz team prioritizing development and long-term upside, George’s transition from promising young scorer to a more complete lead guard stands out. That kind of leap — combining statistical growth with clearer on-court control — is often exactly what voters look for when identifying a Most Improved Player candidate.
The Longshots
For any of these names to climb into the mix to win the NBA Most Improved Player Award, they’re going to need quite a bit of help and to go at a torrid pace to close out the season.
Each of these names has had really good seasons for their respective teams, but the players ahead of them have been better throughout the entire campaign.
If you’re looking for a name to sprinkle a small wager on players that aren;t any of the above, these are likely your best bet.
| Player | Team | Betting Odds |
| Jalen Duren | Detroit Pistons | +2000 |
| Ryan Rollins | Milwaukee Bucks | +4000 |
Recent NBA Most Improved Player Winners
| Year | Player | Team |
| 2024-25 | Dyson Daniels | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2023-24 | Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2022-23 | Lauri Markkanen | Utah Jazz |
| 2021-22 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2020-21 | Julius Randle | New York Knicks |
| 2019-20 | Brandon Ingram | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2018-19 | Pascal Siakam | Toronto Raptors |
| 2017-18 | Victor Oladipo | Indiana Pacers |
| 2016-17 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2015-16 | CJ McCollum | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2014-15 | Jimmy Butler | Chicago Bulls |
How To Bet On The NBA Most Improved Player Award
To bet on this award, follow this step-by-step guide:
1. Go to your favorite sportsbook and log into your account.
2. Select the ‘Betting On NBA’ tab.
3. Go to the ‘Player Futures’ drop-down menu.
4. Click on ‘Most Improved Player.’
5. Submit your bet in the bet-slip window.
