2026 NBA Playoffs Bets: Conference Finals MVP Odds and Picks

The NBA began recognizing an NBA Finals MVP starting in 1969, with Lakers great Jerry West being named the first recipient. But starting with the 2022 postseason, the league decided it was time to recognize greatness in the conference finals, hence the creation of the Larry Bird (Eastern Conference MVP) and Earvin “Magic” Johnson (Western Conference MVP) trophies.

As with almost every award handed out by professional sports leagues, sportsbooks are offering odds on who will win them. Let’s take a look at the odds for each Conference Finals MVP award and discuss some betting options.

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

If you're looking for other sports and NBA betting promotions, Ballislife Bets has gathered a list of the best sports betting offers here.

Conference Finals MVP Odds

Here are the odds for the top six choices to win Eastern Conference Finals MVP (via FanDuel):

• Jalen Brunson (NYK) -170
• Donovan Mitchell (Cle) +300
• Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) +950
• James Harden (Cle) +2000
• OG Anunoby (NYK) +2200
• Evan Mobley (Cle) +3300

Here are the odds for the top six choices to win Western Conference Finals MVP (via DraftKings):

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) -230
• Victor Wembamyama (SAS) +220
• Chet Holgren (OKC) +4000
• Jalen Williams (OKC) +5000
• Stephon Castle (SAS) +7000
• Ajay Mitchell (OKC) +10000

Best Brand

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Best Bonus

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Newcomer

Caesars Promo

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

-

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

The previous four winners for each conference came from the winning team, which will likely be the case this year as well. However, while it is rare in professional sports, the NBA has awarded hardware to a member of the losing team. In fact, the first recipient of the NBA Finals MVP award went to Jerry West, whose Lakers lost the 1969 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics in seven games.

It is an unlikely scenario, but still worth keeping in mind when making your picks.

So, who should you target? If these awards are anything like the NBA Finals MVP, it is not going to be hard to figure out who will win: the best player on the winning team. How is it decided who the best player is? It is usually the guy who dominates the stat sheet (and especially the scoreboard).

But that doesn’t mean you should overlook the rest of the roster. Tyrese Haliburton was the main man for the Indiana Pacers during the 2024-25 season. During the Eastern Conference Finals, he was the leading scorer in three of six games, led in assists in all six games, and led in rebounds for three. But despite his efforts, Pascal Siakam was named ECF MVP (he averaged 24.8 points per game compared to Haliburton's 21).

Eastern and Western Conference Finals MVP Odds: My Picks

The easiest thing to do for each conference is to look at the team favored to win, and then bet on the leading scorer for that team. In the Eastern Conference Finals, that would be New York Knicks forward Jalen Brunson (-170). He averaged 26 points per game during the regular season and 27.4 in the playoffs.

In the Western Conference, the Thunder are heavy favorites to win the series. Their superstar, two-time regular-season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-230), is a heavy favorite to win WCF MVP honors. SGA hasn’t been as explosive in the playoffs as in the regular season. But he has still been the leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 29.1 points per game.

Both are logical choices and will likely win conference finals MVP if their respective teams go on to win the series. But since both have minus money odds, neither has value. Do you really want to risk $170 or $230 to win $100? I don’t.

With that in mind, here are my top picks for MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals:

• OG Anunoby (+2200): Before going down with an injury and missing the last couple of games, OG Anunoby was the talk of the town for his defensive play and scoring. If he picks up where he left off, he will almost certainly be in the conversation should the Knicks win the series.
• James Harden (+2000): Donovan Mitchell has to have a great series for the Cavs to be competitive. But if they are going to win, James Harden will be the difference maker. Why? Because he cuts down on turnovers and starts knocking down 4 to 6 3-pointers every night. If he does and averages 25+ points a game, the Cavs may win the series, and he may deserve MVP.
• Victor Wembanyama (+220): If OKC wins the series, SGA will be named WCF MVP. But if San Antonio pulls off the upset, Wemby will win it. From a scoring perspective, you could say Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox belong in the conversation, too. But the Spurs will win the series by playing better defense, with Wembanyama leading the way.