NBA
Western Conference Finals MVP odds and predictions: Who is the favorite, Doncic or Irving?
There are many famous pairs in playoff history, but would you have believed a year ago that Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving might join that list?
When Irving was traded to the Mavericks in 2023, the team struggled, raising more questions than answers. Fast forward a year, and they are now just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011.
The Dynamic Duo
This kind of talent rarely becomes available in the marketplace. The Mavericks acquired Irving at a reasonable return because he was considered a distressed asset—an ideal match for a struggling Dallas franchise. General Manager Nico Harrison, leveraging his history as a Nike executive and a long-standing relationship with Irving, believed in the synergy between Coach Jason Kidd—a Hall of Fame point guard and childhood idol of Irving—and the genius of Luka Dončić.
“I’ll make it work with Kyrie,” Dončić assured them. And he did. Dončić's prowess was undeniable on the basketball court and his unwavering belief in their partnership. The relationship they have helped them mature a lot and see the game differently. Playing with them on the court is impressive because there is always positive energy around.
In a league filled with fractured star tandems, the unlikely pairing of Irving and Dončić has become an impenetrable force in these Western Conference playoffs. From a clumsy beginning post-trade deadline a year ago to the verge of the NBA Finals, Irving and Dončić have transformed the Mavericks into a postseason powerhouse.
From being adrift in Brooklyn to becoming an anchor in Dallas, Kyrie Irving has become a savior for the Mavericks—a savior who first found himself. With both the Celtics and the Mavericks leading their Conference Finals 3-0, history suggests these leads are secure. No team in NBA history has lost after taking such a lead.
Western Conference Finals MVP odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | -1500 |
| Anthony Edwards | +1200 |
| Kyrie Irving | +2000 |
The NBA Finals may not be officially set yet, but oddsmakers are adjusting the futures market for a potential Mavs-Celtics matchup. Jayson Tatum remains the heavy favorite to win the NBA Finals MVP award. Luka Doncic has been in great form, scoring 30 or more points in every game in the Western Conference Finals.
We believe there’s good value in betting on Luka Doncic to win the Finals MVP rather than betting on Tatum. Even if the Mavericks don’t win the series, Doncic’s performance is expected to be outstanding. This is a significant revenge matchup for Kyrie Irving, who left the Boston Celtics a few seasons ago.
Irving has been scoring high this postseason, with multiple 30-point games in the Western Conference Finals. However, it will be tough for him to outshine Doncic, the heavy favorite at -1500, to win the WCF MVP. While Irving is worth a bet at +2000, the MVP award will likely go to Doncic if the Mavs take the series.