This is a rough time of year for bettors.
The NFL season is over, the MLB season hasn’t started yet and the NBA season is headed into its All-Star break.
The only one of the four major American professional sports in action for the next week is the NHL. And if you’re not inclined to bet on hockey, college hoops is your next best option.
Unless, of course, you want to bet on All-Star activities.
Wait, you do?!
If nothing else NBA-related is a gamble, All-Star most certainly is. There’s no way to know what’s going to happen in any of these contests. But hey, if this is the kind of action you want, there’s certainly of it to be had.
That includes the All-Star Game itself, which Team LeBron is favored to win over Team Giannis despite Team LeBron not even being assembled yet. A better pick at this point would be for MVP of the game, so I compiled a list of the five best MVP bets.
6
Honorable Mention: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz (+3000)
I’m picking from a group that doesn’t include LeBron James, Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo — three of the top-four betting favorites. That’s because they’re all dealing with injuries. In my opinion, they should relax and let some other players shine.
Though a long-shot, Markkanen is still an All-Star starter and the only hometown player in Salt Lake City where Jazz legends Karl Malone and John Stockton split the honors the last time the game was there. He has a shot.
Now, let’s get to the better picks.
5
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies (+1100)
Another All-Star starter, there may not be a player more perfect for this game than Morant. He hardly needs a clear driving lane in real NBA games to initiate mesmerizing aerial assaults. What’s he going to do when defenders part like the red sea as they so often do in this glorified exhibition?
At minimal, we’ll get some insane highlights from Morant. But if he wants, he absolutely can take over and put himself in contention for some hardware.
4
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (+1000)
Tatum is having an MVP-caliber season, but the All-Star MVP award is just as attainable for the young forward. In his second straight year as an All-Star starter, I expect him to be a lot more aggressive. And he has the perfect combination of size, range and handles to be a dominant force in this game.
Not to mention, Tatum is a noted student of Kobe Bryant, who used this game as his personal showcase countless times, winning four All-Star MVPs.
3
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (+850)
Doncic would probably be higher if he didn’t carry such a massive load during the regular season. But something tells me he’ll want to let his foot off the gas a bit with so many others willing and capable of taking all the shots around him.
In 24 minutes of last year’s game, Doncic only scored eight points on six attempts. He’ll do more as a starter this year, and he can take over anytime he wants, which is why he’s third on this list. But I can’t put him any higher.
2
Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks (+1100)
Speaking of Doncic teammates willing to take the shot, Irving could remain one of those on Sunday depending on how the All-Star draft goes. And as a former MVP of the game, we know he’s more than capable of lighting it up on this stage.
More importantly, I think Irving has a little extra motivation to do just that. Seeking a new contract, he played some of his best basketball in his final weeks with the Brooklyn Nets. As he moves on to a new city, that campaign could continue on Sunday.
1
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers (+1100)
If Markkanen is the hometown hero in Utah, Mitchell is the favorite son returning home to steal all the glory. He spent the first five years of his career in Utah, showing all the promise and potential that’s allowing him to thrive as an MVP candidate in Cleveland now.
I’m willing to bet Spida is planning to put on a show for his old fans. Hoisting an All-Star trophy isn’t exactly what they were hoping to see from him, but it would be a cool moment nonetheless.
