If you want to learn about betting on NBA awards futures, you have come to the right place. Our guide to betting on NBA awards futures covers everything you need to know about wagering on five end-of-season prizes.
Of course, the NBA MVP Award is the most popular option among basketball bettors. However, there is plenty of value when it comes to other awards like Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
NBA Awards Futures: Betting on the MVP Award
Officially known as the National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award, this is undoubtedly the most sought-after prize on offer. Why? Because the MVP Award is given to the best performing player of the regular season.
The MVP trophy is named after Michael Jordan, who scooped the prize five times between 1988 and 1998. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic both won the award twice between 2019 and 2022, with Joel Embiid triumphing in 2023.
Betting on the NBA Rookie of the Year Award
When it comes to betting on NBA awards futures, predicting the Rookie of the Year is always fun. As the name suggests, this award is given to the top rookie of the regular season, meaning only first-year players are eligible.
It is worth noting that bettors can use the Rookie of the Year to predict future NBA stars. Legendary players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant won the award before going on to enjoy hugely successful careers.
Betting on the NBA Most Improved Player Award
The Most Improved Player Award is handed to the player who shows the most progress during the regular season compared to previous seasons. Inaugurated in 1985, this is one of the newest NBA awards futures to bet on.
From the start of the 2023-24 season, players must appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for the Most Improved Player Award. In fact, this is worth considering when betting on most NBA end-of-season awards.
Betting on the Sixth Man of the Year Award
The Sixth Man of the Year Award is given to the best player coming off the bench as a substitute. To be eligible for the award, a player must come off the bench in more games than he starts, meaning fringe players typically scoop the prize.
Jamal Crawford won the award three times between 2010 and 2016, while Lou Williams triumphed on three occasions between 2015 and 2019. However, four different players won the award between 2020 and 2023.
Betting on the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
Wrapping up our guide to betting on NBA awards futures is the Defensive Player of the Year. Unsurprisingly, this award is given to the best defensive player of the regular season, with the winner receiving the Hakeem Olajuwon trophy.
Olajuwon won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 1993 and 1994. In recent years, the award has been dominated by Rudy Gobert, who secured three titles in four seasons between 2018 and 2021.
Learn how to bet on NHL awards futures next.