2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year Odds and Predictions

The NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award is one of the newer trophies the league hands out on a yearly basis. Introduced back in 2022, Clutch Player of the Year recognizes players who thrive in the game’s most critical moments. This is largely subjective, of course, which makes it one of the more interesting awards to bet on before the season begins.

As we gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, several high-profile stars are frontrunners for this newfangled accolade. The primary contenders have proven to be calm under pressure with a knack for delivering with the game on the line.

Below is a breakdown of the odds for the top Clutch Player of the Year candidates, along with a detailed analysis for each of them. From future Hall-of-Famers like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, the field is absolutely loaded.

Let’s dive into the updated NBA odds, and then break down each player’s case for taking home the award.

NBA Clutch Player of the Year Odds

Stephen Curry (+1000)

Stephen Curry is the favorite to win Clutch Player of the Year again this season after winning the award this past year. Curry is the greatest shooter the game has ever seen, and he was rewarded with the Jerry West Trophy a season ago.

Curry led all players in clutch time scoring in 2023-24, which went a long way toward earning him the award. The NBA actually has a definition for clutch statistics. The league says “clutch time” is any time a game is in the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter or overtime with the score within a margin of 5 points.

Last year, Curry led the league in a number of clutch categories, including points, 3-pointers made, and field goals made. He also knocked down nearly 46 percent of his 3-point attempts and better than 95 percent of his free throws in clutch time situations.

The Golden State Warriors are still a perennial playoff team, but they’re a long way from the dominant force we’ve seen for the better part of the last decade. Golden State was involved in quite a few close games last season and finished the year with a point differential of plus-2.6. Any player whose team isn’t involved in quite a few blowouts will naturally have a better chance of winning Clutch Player of the Year.

The Dubs lost Klay Thompson to the Mavs this summer, which means Curry may have to assume an even bigger scoring role moving forward. We know Steph isn’t ever one to shy away in big moments, which makes him a worthy frontrunner at the current +1000 odds to begin the season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+1100)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has rapidly become one of the league’s best closers, and his +1100 odds of winning the Clutch Player Award are well justified. Leading a rising Oklahoma City Thunder team, SGA has shown that he’s the go-to guy when the game is on the line. Last season, SGA averaged more than 30 points per game for the second consecutive year and helped to lead OKC to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished third in Clutch Player of the Year voting last season behind Curry and Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan. He accrued 11 first-place votes, 29 second-place votes, and 18 third-place votes. Shai racked up 112 points and shot better than 58 percent from the field in what the league describes as clutch time situations a season ago.

However, the Thunder aren’t likely to be involved in as many competitive games as several other teams. Oklahoma City comes into the new season with massive expectations, and they’ve upgraded the roster with the additions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein this summer. The Thunder finished last year with a plus-7.4 point differential, and I’d be shocked if they didn’t improve on that mark this season. This is also an incredibly young roster, and most of those inexperienced players – including SGA – figure to improve.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a big point guard at 6’6″, and he’s an expert at getting to his spots and getting any shot he wants. That’s a trait that comes in handy in clutch situations, but I also think this team has the potential to win 60 games in 2024-25. Many of those wins will be blowouts, which could hurt SGA’s Clutch Player case.

I’m not a huge fan of betting on SGA to win it at the current +1100 odds.

Luka Doncic (+1100)

Luka Doncic’s resume of late-game heroics is already extensive, despite being just 25 years old. Whether it’s buzzer-beaters, incredible step-back threes, or slicing through defenses at will, Doncic has consistently proven that he thrives when the pressure is at its highest. Leading the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic averaged a career-best 33.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game last season, making him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.

Luka and Kyrie Irving led the Mavs to a surprising NBA Finals run, where they ultimately fell in 5 games to the Boston Celtics. Expectations are sky-high in Dallas as a result, and the addition of Klay Thompson gives the Mavericks yet another offensive option in late-game scenarios. Make no mistake, though, the ball will still be in Luka’s hands whenever the game is hanging in the balance.

Luka’s been among the most clutch players in the sport since he arrived on the scene, yet he got absolutely no love from voters in this category last season. Doncic finished a distant 6th place in the voting behind Curry, DeRozan, Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and former teammate Jalen Brunson. The disrespect!

In clutch time, Luka is a maestro. His size allows him to create mismatches, and his high basketball IQ ensures that he almost always makes the right play. In tight games, Doncic controls the tempo, whether through his crafty handles, precision passing, or ability to hit tough shots.

The Mavericks rely heavily on Luka in close contests, and his ability to deliver time and time again makes his +1100 odds very appealing. If Dallas can remain competitive and Doncic continues to get the chance to close out games, he’ll be right in the thick of the Clutch Player conversation all season long.

Anthony Edwards (+1200)

Anthony Edwards, the rising face of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has the potential to win the Clutch Player of the Year Award this season. As his game continues to develop, Edwards has displayed a killer instinct in high-pressure moments. Last season, Edwards took a significant leap, averaging 25.9 points per game and leading the Wolves to a surprising appearance in the Western Conference Finals. His athleticism, confidence, and fearlessness will make him an annual contender for this award.

Edwards’ ability to rise to the occasion was on full display during the 2024 playoffs when he had several standout performances in clutch situations, cementing his reputation as a closer. While he did struggle in the conference finals against Dallas, he has the physical tools to create his own shot in any scenario, be it driving to the rim or pulling up from deep. As he matures, his decision-making and efficiency in late-game situations will only improve.

With odds of +1200, Edwards is one of the more intriguing picks. Minnesota is likely to be involved in several close games throughout the season, and Edwards will have the opportunity to prove that he’s the go-to guy in clutch moments. If he continues to rise to the occasion, he could very well take home this award.

Jalen Brunson (+1400)

Jalen Brunson has become one of the most reliable clutch performers in the league. Last season – his second with the New York Knicks – Brunson averaged a career-best 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, often stepping up when the Knicks needed a bucket in crunch time. His ability to get into the lane, hit mid-range jumpers, and draw fouls make him a versatile offensive weapon when the game is on the line.

Brunson is one of the more effective scoring guards in the league despite his slight 6’2″ frame. Tom Thibodeau has full confidence in his ability to generate quality looks in tight games, which we saw time and time again a season ago. Brunson was instrumental in leading the Knicks into the conference semifinals.

Brunson’s calm and composed demeanor in tight situations is a huge asset for the Knicks. He thrives in isolation, where he can take his man off the dribble or hit a floater over taller defenders. His leadership and poise are a big reason why the Knicks have seen recent success in close games. His +1400 odds reflect the respect he has earned as one of the league’s most reliable closers.

As the Knicks continue to build around him, expect Brunson to have ample opportunities to showcase his clutch abilities. With his knack for making the right play and willingness to score in a variety of ways, I think Brunson is a stellar value at the current +1400 Clutch Player of the Year odds.

Damian Lillard (+1400)

Few players in the NBA are as synonymous with clutch performances as Damian Lillard. With his iconic “Dame Time” persona, Lillard has built a legacy around delivering in the most crucial moments, whether it’s knocking down deep threes or driving to the basket for game-winners. His +1400 odds for the Clutch Player Award are a testament to that reputation.

However, Lillard struggled last year in his first with the Milwaukee Bucks. In fact, the season as a whole was largely a disaster despite the Bucks having entered the campaign among the favorites to win the championship. Dame still averaged a healthy 24.3 points per game while playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that was his lowest average in a full season in nearly a decade.

While Giannis will still attract tons of attention from opposing defenses, his lack of shooting ability means the Bucks may still lean heavily on Lillard in clutch time. That’s exactly why the Bucks decided to make the blockbuster trade for him just last summer. While I do think Lillard is in for a bounce-back season now that he’s presumably more comfortable with his new situation, let’s not lose sight of the fact that he turned 34 years old in July.

Donovan Mitchell (+1800)

Donovan Mitchell is another contender for the Clutch Player Award with +1800 odds. As the heart and soul of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mitchell has consistently stepped up when his team needs him the most. There was talk that Mitchell could leave for greener pastures, but he surprised many by signing a massive 3-year extension to stay in Cleveland earlier this offseason.

Last season, Mitchell averaged 26.6 points per game while leading the Cavs to the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland hasn’t made any other splashy moves this offseason, which means Mitchell and Darius Garland will again account for most of the team’s offense in clutch-time situations.

Mitchell’s explosiveness and quick first step allow him to blow by defenders in late-game situations, while his improving three-point shooting keeps defenses honest. With Cleveland expected to be a playoff contender once again, Mitchell will have plenty of opportunities to deliver in close games.

I prefer Mitchell to Lillard at their similar Clutch Player of the Year odds.

Kevin Durant (+2000)

Kevin Durant is no stranger to big moments, of course. The 2-time NBA Finals MVP is well-traveled at this stage of his career, and his travels may not be over with. If the Suns don’t get off to a hot start, there’s a chance the Phoenix Suns could look to trade the future Hall-of-Famer.

For now, he’ll share the ball with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in what should be a high-octane offense. Booker is the younger face of the franchise, though, and I think the ball will go through him with the game on the line. That makes KD arguably the league’s most dangerous second fiddle, but I still have a hard time backing a second fiddle to actually win this award.

Durant’s partnership with Booker will give him more opportunities to close out games without having to carry the entire offensive load. With his unique combination of size, skill, and experience, Durant remains one of the most dangerous players in late-game scenarios. I’m just not convinced he’ll get enough opportunities to get into the running for this award.

Trae Young (+2000)

Trae Young is another player to watch in the clutch conversation, with +2000 odds. The Atlanta Hawks star is known for his long-range shooting and fearless playmaking, especially in high-pressure situations. Young has consistently delivered in clutch moments throughout his career, hitting deep threes and making incredible passes that keep defenses off balance.

Young’s combination of speed and craftiness allows him to get to his spots on the floor, while his ability to hit shots from way beyond the arc makes him a constant threat in close games. His high basketball IQ and vision give him the ability to either score or set up teammates in the final minutes. As the Hawks continue to build around him, expect Young to have multiple chances to prove why he belongs in the Clutch Player of the Year race.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure the Hawks will be competitive enough for Young to gain much momentum in this race. Atlanta appears to be on the verge of blowing it up, and there’s a decent chance Young could be one of the players on the trade block once that time comes. Moving to a contender could help Trae’s case, but I don’t think this Hawks team will get a lot of awards consideration in any category unless they vastly exceed preseason expectations.

Jamal Murray (+2000)

Jamal Murray cemented his reputation as a clutch player during the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship run, and his +2000 odds to win Clutch Player of the Year reflect his potential to continue thriving in high-pressure situations. Murray has a unique ability to elevate his game in the postseason and late-game moments, hitting difficult shots and taking over when the Nuggets need him most.

Murray’s shot-making ability, especially in clutch time, is a key reason why Denver has been so successful. His chemistry with Nikola Jokic allows him to play off the ball effectively while still being a primary option in critical moments. As the Nuggets look to defend their title, Murray’s ability to deliver in crunch time will be crucial, making him a strong candidate for this award.

As is the case with Giannis and Lillard in Milwaukee, Murray is the player who will most often find the ball in his hands if the Nuggets need a late bucket at the expense of Jokic.

I do think Denver will bounce back this season after a surprisingly early playoff exit, though Murray will have to stay healthy in order to receive legit awards consideration. That’s unfortunately been a challenge for him in recent years, as Murray hasn’t topped 65 games played in any season since 2019-20. I’d rather not put my money on a player I can’t fully trust to stay on the floor for a full season.

Tyrese Haliburton (+2200)

Tyrese Haliburton, with +2200 odds, is an emerging star who has shown flashes of brilliance in clutch moments. As the headliner of the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton has developed into one of the best playmakers in the league, using his vision and scoring ability to impact games in the final minutes. Last season, Haliburton averaged 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game while leading the Pacers to berths in the NBA Cup Final and the Eastern Conference Finals.

Indiana is one of the deepest teams in basketball, yet Haliburton has become their unquestioned leader. He didn’t receive any votes for this award last year, however, and he struggled considerably down the stretch of the season offensively. A similar late downturn in production would likely kill his chances to win Clutch Player of the Year this season, as well.

What sets Haliburton apart is his poise and basketball IQ. He rarely forces plays, instead making smart decisions that put his team in a position to succeed. As he continues to grow into his role as the Pacers’ leader, Haliburton will have more opportunities to prove himself as a clutch performer.

LeBron James (+2200)

LeBron James, despite being in the twilight of his career, still has the ability to take over games when it matters most, which is why his odds of +2200 make him a viable candidate for the Clutch Player Award. LeBron will turn 40 years old this season, yet he’s shown almost no signs of slowing down.

Last year, James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in what was a disappointing overall season for the Los Angeles Lakers. L.A. hasn’t done much this offseason to tweak their roster – aside from drafting LeBron’s own son, of course – and it’s worth wondering whether they’re remotely capable of contending in what is a very deep and competitive Western Conference.

LeBron’s own greatness can’t be denied, of course. He’s still the guy in clutch situations offensively alongside Anthony Davis, and his decision-making in critical moments remains invaluable. If the Lakers are more competitive than expected this season, LeBron could have more clutch opportunities to remind everyone why he’s arguably the greatest to ever do it.

Who Will Win NBA Clutch Player of the Year?

This is a wide-open race, and several options make for viable bets. While Curry’s deep shooting range and experience make him a perennial contender, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late-game brilliance is hard to overlook, I like the value on both Luka Doncic (+1100) and Jalen Brunson (+1400) to take home the hardware.

I’m a bit concerned Doncic’s style is a turnoff for voters. Brunson, meanwhile, gets the benefit of playing under a spotlight for the Knicks in the United States’ biggest media market. Brunson has become one of the faces of the league as the Knicks’ best player since Carmelo Anthony, and I think he’s the best value of upside and likelihood at +1400.

Best Bet: Jalen Brunson (+1400)