Sixers’ Joel Embiid’s MVP odds same as Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard

If Joel Embiid was healthy for more than 31 games last season, he would have won the Rookie of the Year award — no question’s asked.

His numbers during his brief stint on the floor before being shut down for knee surgery were among the best for a rookie in decades and his domination on both sides of the floor had many singing his praises as he narrowly missed being voted as an Eastern Conference All Star.

Next season, if he’s healthy, he could be in award conversations yet again.

According to the sports betting site Bovada.com, Embiid has a +5000 chance of being named NBA MVP — meaning a $100 bet would get paid at a 50-times multiple if he wins. How good are those odds? Well not surprisingly they are a little ways behind the favorites in Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Steph Curry but he’s firmly in the second tier. Vegas handicaps Embiid’s chances of winning league MVP at the same probability as All-Stars Damian Lillard, Draymond Green, Kyrie Irving and DeMarr Derozen.

His odds at winning MVP are better than Gordon Hayward, Carmelo Anthony, Jimmy Butler and fellow class of 2015 draftee Kristaps Porzingis. Embiid’s teammate Ben Simmons carries a +6600 chance of winning NBA MVP, but a +500 chance of winning next season;s NBA Rookie of the Year honors, third best after Lonzo Ball and Dennis Smith.

Another Sixers’ rookie, first overall pick Markelle Fultz is fifth on the list behind Jason Tatum with +800 odds, a pretty good return on investment and perhaps the best bet in the category.

The full odds are listed below:

NBA MVP odds

Russell Westbrook (OKC) +350

Kevin Durant (GS) +450

Kawhi Leonard (SAN) +650

LeBron James (CLE) +750

James Harden (HOU) +800

Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) +850

Steph Curry (GS) +1100

Anthony Davis (NOP) +1600

Isaiah Thomas (BOS) +2500

Paul George (OKC) +2500