Who Took Over Luka’s Top Spot in the NBA Most Improved Player Odds Board?
By: James Tillman
Welcome back to another Tuesday NBA fans. Today, we will resume our discussion regarding the individuals in the running for the Most Improved Player award. A week ago, the short list included Devonte Graham (Charlotte Hornets), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans) and Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
Did the last seven days do anything to change where these players rank? Here’s a look at the updated odds for the top three players in this prestigious category based upon how they performed over the past week (Feb. 4 through Feb. 10).
Betting on the NBA Most Improved Player Odds
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The Third-Best NBA Most Improved Player Odds: Devonte Graham (+400). Last Week (+350)
For the second straight week, the Devonte Graham and the Hornets didn’t have what one would call a memorable week. They lost by double digits to the Houston Rockets (125-110) and the Dallas Mavericks (116-100). However, the Hornets did manage to salvage their week with an 87-76 win over the Detroit Pistons. While the Hornets went just 1-2 over the past week, Graham had some noteworthy performances.
Against the Rockets, he finished with 16 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds. In the following game against the Mavericks, he contributed 26 points 10 assists and four rebounds while connecting on 50 percent of his shot attempts. Graham concluded his week with a not–so–great shooting night in the win over the Pistons.
In that contest, he shot just 6-for-17 from the field. On the positive side, he did score 14 points, handed out 11 assists and hauled in seven rebounds. Considering where Graham was a year ago, he is certainly deserving of being included on this list.
The Second-Best NBA Most Improved Player Odds: Luka Doncic (+175 – No Change)
Last week, Doncic was the proud owner of the top spot on this list. Unfortunately, due to an ankle injury, the Mavericks’ second-year shooting guards hasn’t played since his team was blown out by the Phoenix Suns 133-104 on Jan. 28. The good news is Doncic recently played 5-on-5 at the team’s practice facility in his first live action since Jan. 30.
With that in mind, there is a chance he could return to the rotation in an upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night (2/12). At the same time, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if the team decided to keep him out before the extended layoff.
The Best NBA Most Improved Player Odds: Brandon Ingram (+150). Last Week (+200)
A week ago, Brandon Ingram had the second-best odds to win this award. But thanks to Doncic being on the shelf, Ingram has catapulted to the No. 1 spot. Graham and the New Orleans Pelicans played in just two games over the past week. In a home game against the top team in the league (the Milwaukee Bucks), Graham erupted for 32 points, seven boards, and two steals.
In a 125-119 over the Chicago Bulls, he contributed 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and a pair of steals. On the heels of a bounce-back week, it will be interesting to see if Ingraham will continue to be the odds-on favorite once Doncic returns to the court.
