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NBA Most Improved Player Odds & Predictions 2026: Deni Avdija Reclaims Favorite Status

Updated: December 15, 2025, 05:28 AM ET
6 min read
  • Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija has surged to the top of the ladder following a dominant week where he solidified his role as a primary playmaker.

  • Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is the closest challenger, continuing his breakout campaign as one of the league's most dominant rebounders and efficient scorers.

  • Houston Rockets wing Amen Thompson, who opened the season as the odds-on favorite, remains firmly in the conversation.

NBA Most Improved Player Odds

Odds courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook. Join FanDuel today and claim your welcome bonus: Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.

PlayerOdds
Deni Avdija+220
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Jalen Johnson+470
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Jalen Duren+500
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Austin Reaves+550
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Josh Giddey+1000
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Ryan Rollins+1000
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Keyonte George+3000
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker+4000
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Rest of the players listed at +6000 odds and higher.

NBA Most Improved Player - My Pick

Deni Avdija (+220) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Deni Avdija has successfully transitioned from a complementary role player into the undisputed focal point of the Portland Trail Blazers' offense. Currently holding the shortest odds on major sportsbooks, Avdija’s candidacy is driven by a massive statistical explosion, where he is averaging career highs of approximately 25.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. This production represents a significant leap from his previous season averages and highlights his expanded responsibility as a primary playmaker and scorer.

His ability to maintain efficiency with this increased usage, combined with the narrative of unlocking his full potential in a new system, makes him the textbook definition of a Most Improved Player candidate in the eyes of oddsmakers and voters alike.

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NBA Most Improved Player Predictions Odds

How to Bet on the NBA Most Improved Player Award Winner

Betting on this season’s NBA Most Improved Player Award winner is a straightforward process. Start by visiting Caesars or your favorite sportsbook. Navigate to the NBA page, where there will be a tab labeled “Futures”. Look for the “Awards” category, and you will find the odds for this one.

We always recommend doing your homework before betting on NBA futures. That includes researching the bet, as well as ensuring you claim any available sportsbook bonuses. While those are usually for smaller bets, adding them can make a massive difference for your bankroll.

How to Read NBA Most Improved Player Award Odds

Reading the odds for the NBA Most Improved Player Award can be confusing, but we are here to help! Below, we’ll share our guide to reading odds before placing your bet. 

When reading odds from a sportsbook, you’ll see numbers with a (+) or (-) in front of them. The plus sign means that you will win the number after it when betting $100. If the number has a minus sign, you need to bet that amount to win $100. 

Online sportsbooks organize the betting favorites according to their odds, with the favorite listed at the top. This can help you determine who is still in the running, allowing you to decide which players to research before placing your bet.

Where to Bet on the NBA Most Improved Player Award Winner

The race to become the Most Improved Player Award can be unpredictable, especially given that there aren’t repeat winners. That puts the focus on young players and former stars returning from injury. This means there are always favorable odds heading into the season, giving bettors a great chance to win big.

We like to use Caesars Sportsbook when betting on the NBA Most Improved Player Award. The Vegas-based giant offers a world-class platform, competitive odds, and valuable promotions to help get the most bang for your buck. New users who sign up for a Caesars account with our promo code WSN20X can claim: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 20 Bets.

If you're looking for a smaller platform, we recommend checking out bet365 Sportsbook. New customers who sign up with our promo code WSN365 can claim: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose. While bet365 is smaller than FanDuel or DraftKings, it offers one of the best betting experiences in the industry. 

NBA Most Improved Player Award History

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels won the award last season after an incredible season for the Atlanta Hawks. Every winner over the last ten years has gone on to a very successful NBA career, showing their success wasn’t a fluke. 

Below is a list of the NBA Most Improved Player Award from the previous ten seasons. 

Year NBA Most Improved Player Award
2024-25 Dyson Daniels
2023-24 Tyrese Maxey
2022-23 Lauri Markkanen
2021-22 Ja Morant
2020-21 Julius Randle
2019-20 Brandon Ingram
2018-19 Pascal Siakim
2017-18 Victor Oladipo
2016-17 Giannis Antetokounmpo
2015-16 CJ McCollum

Most Improved Player FAQ

Who was the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2024-25?

Does fan vote determine the NBA’s Most Improved Player?

Has an international player ever won Most Improved Player?

Who won the first NBA Most Improved Player Award?

Which NBA player position has the best chance of winning Most Improved Player?

Which NBA franchises have produced the most NBA Most Improved Player winners?

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