- 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
| Player | Team | Current Odds | Opening Odds |
| Josh Giddey | Chicago Bulls | +310 | +2500 |
| Deni Avdija | Portland Trail Blazers | +1100 | +900 |
| Ryan Rollins | Milwaukee Bucks | +1100 | Off the Board |
| Austin Reaves | Los Angeles Lakers | +2500 | +2500 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | Indiana Pacers | +2000 | +1600 |
| Amen Thompson | Houston Rockets | +2000 | +800 |
| Matas Buzelis | Chicago Bulls | +2000 | +1500 |
| Keyonte George | Utah Jazz | +2000 | +8000 |
| Kyshawn George | Washington 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
| Year | Player | Position | Team |
| 2024-25 | Dyson Daniels | Guard | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2023-24 | Tyrese Maxey | Guard | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2022-23 | Lauri Markkanen | Forward | Utah Jazz |
| 2021-22 | Ja Morant | Guard | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2020-21 | Julius Randle | Forward | New York Knicks |
| 2019-20 | Brandon Ingram | Forward | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2018-19 | Pascal Siakam | Forward | Toronto Raptors |
| 2017-18 | Victor Oladipo | Guard | Indiana Pacers |
| 2016-17 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Forward | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2015-16 | CJ McCollum | Guard | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2014-15 | Jimmy Butler | Guard/Forward | Chicago Bulls |
| 2013-14 | Goran Dragić | Guard | Phoenix Suns |
| 2012-13 | Paul George | Forward | Indiana Pacers |
| 2011-12 | Ryan Anderson | Forward | Orlando Magic |
| 2010-11 | Kevin Love | Forward | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2009-10 | Aaron Brooks | Guard | Houston Rockets |
| 2008-09 | Danny Granger | Forward | Indiana Pacers |
| 2007-08 | Hedo Türkoğlu | Forward | Orlando Magic |
| 2006-07 | Monta Ellis | Guard | Golden State Warriors |
| 2005-06 | Boris Diaw | Forward | Phoenix Suns |
| 2004-05 | Bobby Simmons | Forward | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2003-04 | Zach Randolph | Forward | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2002-03 | Gilbert Arenas | Guard | Golden State Warriors |
| 2001-02 | Jermaine O'Neal | Forward/Center | Indiana Pacers |
| 2000-01 | Tracy McGrady | Guard/Forward | Orlando Magic |
| 1999-00 | Jalen Rose | Guard/Forward | Indiana Pacers |
| 1998-99 | Darrell Armstrong | Guard | Orlando Magic |
| 1997-98 | Alan Henderson | Forward/Center | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1996-97 | Isaac Austin | Center | Miami Heat |
| 1995-96 | Gheorghe Muresan | Center | Washington Wizards |
| 1994-95 | Dana Barros | Guard | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1993-94 | Don MacLean | Forward | Washington Wizards |
| 1992-93 | Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf | Guard | Denver Nuggets |
| 1991-92 | Pervis Ellison | Forward/Center | Washington Wizards |
| 1990-91 | Scott Skiles | Guard | Orlando Magic |
| 1989-90 | Rony Seikaly | Center | Miami Heat |
| 1988-89 | Kevin Johnson | Guard | Phoenix Suns |
| 1987-88 | Kevin Duckworth | Center | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1986-87 | Dale Ellis | Forward/Guard | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1985-86 | Alvin Robertson | Guard | San Antonio Spurs |
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.







