2026 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Odds, Favourites, & Predictions

Josh Giddey participating during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend.
(Wikimedia Commons/Erik Drost)
  • Josh Giddey (+310) is nearly averaging a triple-double while scoring over 23 points per game.
  • Deni Avdija (+1100) is averaging 24.1 points per game on 49.1% shooting.
  • Austin Reaves (+1600) is averaging 31.1 points on 48.9% shooting and 9.3 assists per game.

Josh Giddey is nearly averaging a triple-double while scoring over 23 points per game through his first seven games.

With that said, let’s take a look at the NBA odds of the Most Improved Player candidates at the BetMGM online sportsbook.

NBA Most Improved Player Odds 2026

PlayerTeamCurrent OddsOpening Odds
Josh GiddeyChicago Bulls+310+2500
Deni AvdijaPortland Trail Blazers+1100+900
Ryan RollinsMilwaukee Bucks+1100Off the Board
Austin ReavesLos Angeles Lakers+2500+2500
Bennedict MathurinIndiana Pacers+2000+1600
Amen ThompsonHouston Rockets+2000+800
Matas BuzelisChicago Bulls+2000+1500
Keyonte GeorgeUtah Jazz+2000+8000
Kyshawn GeorgeWashington Wizards+2000+1600

Prediction: Who Will Win the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2026?

Josh Giddey is the current favourite to win the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2026 with basketball odds of +310, followed by:

  • Deni Avdija (+1100)
  • Ryan Rollins (+1100)
  • Austin Reaves (+1600)
  • Bennedict Mathurin (+2000)
  • Amen Thompson (+2000)
  • Matas Buzelis (+2000)
  • Keyonte George (+2000)
  • Kyshawn George (+2000)

I predict Giddey will win the 2026 NBA Most Improved Player award because his numbers have taken an unexpected leap this season.

He’s also helped the Chicago Bulls jump out to a shocking 6-1 start.

2026 NBA Most Improved Player Favourites & Best Bets

Josh Giddey Most Improved Player Odds +310

Giddey joined Michael Jordan as the first Bulls player to record consecutive triple-doubles since the 1988-89 season.

He registered 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in Chicago’s 113-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

Giddey’s also shooting nearly 42% from 3-point range.

Deni Avdija Most Improved Player Odds +1100

Avdija is averaging 24.1 points on 49.1% shooting, six rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game through his first seven games.

He scored a season high 33 points in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 123-115 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

Ryan Rollins Most Improved Player Odds +1100

Rollins has given the Milwaukee Bucks a nice scoring boost, averaging 16.3 points on 51.5% shooting and 5.6 assists per game through his first eight games.

Austin Reaves Most Improved Player Odds +1600

Reaves has stepped up big time in games without LeBron James and Luka Dončić this season, including a 51-point effort.

He’s averaging 31.1 points on 48.9% shooting, 9.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game through his first seven games.

Bennedict Mathurin Most Improved Player Odds +2000

Mathurin has suited up in just two games so far this season, as he’s been sidelined with a toe injury.

When he’s back, he’ll have a chance to pick up a significant chunk of the scoring load with several Indiana Pacers players out.

Amen Thompson Most Improved Player Odds +2000

Thompson hasn’t taken the leap many expected thus far this season, as he’s been struggling mightily from 3-point range.

His driving ability and defence should continue to make him a factor on the court nightly, though.

Matas Buzelis Most Improved Player Odds +2000

Buzelis has become a nice playmaking target for Giddey, both from behind the arc and as a catch-and-shoot specialist from 3-point range.

The next step for him to take is to learn how to create his own shot more consistently.

Keyonte George Most Improved Player Odds +2000

Keyonte George is averaging 23.1 points and 8.1 assists through his first seven games.

Sustainable success for both him and the Utah Jazz could garner him serious consideration to win this award.

Kyshawn George Most Improved Player Odds +2000

Kyshawn George is averaging 17.9 points on 55.3% shooting, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists through his first seven games.

The Washington Wizards should continue to give him ample opportunity to grow his game.

List of Every NBA Most Improved Player of the Year in League History

YearPlayerPositionTeam
2024-25Dyson DanielsGuardAtlanta Hawks
2023-24Tyrese MaxeyGuardPhiladelphia 76ers
2022-23Lauri MarkkanenForwardUtah Jazz
2021-22Ja MorantGuardMemphis Grizzlies
2020-21Julius RandleForwardNew York Knicks
2019-20Brandon IngramForwardNew Orleans Pelicans
2018-19Pascal SiakamForwardToronto Raptors
2017-18Victor OladipoGuardIndiana Pacers
2016-17Giannis AntetokounmpoForwardMilwaukee Bucks
2015-16CJ McCollumGuardPortland Trail Blazers
2014-15Jimmy ButlerGuard/ForwardChicago Bulls
2013-14Goran DragićGuardPhoenix Suns
2012-13Paul GeorgeForwardIndiana Pacers
2011-12Ryan AndersonForwardOrlando Magic
2010-11Kevin LoveForwardMinnesota Timberwolves
2009-10Aaron BrooksGuardHouston Rockets
2008-09Danny GrangerForwardIndiana Pacers
2007-08Hedo TürkoğluForwardOrlando Magic
2006-07Monta EllisGuardGolden State Warriors
2005-06Boris DiawForwardPhoenix Suns
2004-05Bobby SimmonsForwardLos Angeles Clippers
2003-04Zach RandolphForwardPortland Trail Blazers
2002-03Gilbert ArenasGuardGolden State Warriors
2001-02Jermaine O'NealForward/CenterIndiana Pacers
2000-01Tracy McGradyGuard/ForwardOrlando Magic
1999-00Jalen RoseGuard/ForwardIndiana Pacers
1998-99Darrell ArmstrongGuardOrlando Magic
1997-98Alan HendersonForward/CenterAtlanta Hawks
1996-97Isaac AustinCenterMiami Heat
1995-96Gheorghe MuresanCenterWashington Wizards
1994-95Dana BarrosGuardPhiladelphia 76ers
1993-94Don MacLeanForwardWashington Wizards
1992-93Mahmoud Abdul-RaufGuardDenver Nuggets
1991-92Pervis EllisonForward/CenterWashington Wizards
1990-91Scott SkilesGuardOrlando Magic
1989-90Rony SeikalyCenterMiami Heat
1988-89Kevin JohnsonGuardPhoenix Suns
1987-88Kevin DuckworthCenterPortland Trail Blazers
1986-87Dale EllisForward/GuardSeattle SuperSonics
1985-86Alvin RobertsonGuardSan Antonio Spurs

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About the Author Read More @S_Kumar2

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.