The 2026 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award was Victor Wembanyama’s to lose entering this best-of-7 series.
After two games, the Knicks’ one-two punch of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns has surpassed the French phenom in odds to lift the trophy.
Wembanyama’s odds have ballooned to +390 after opening as the odds-on favorite at -180.
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | +100 |
| Karl Anthony-Towns | +185 |
| Victor Wembanyama | +390 |
| Mikal Bridges | 150/1 |
| OG Anunoby | 150/1 |
| De’Aaron Fox | 180/1 |
| Stephon Castle | 180/1 |
| Dylan Harper | 250/1 |
| Josh Hart | 250/1 |
| Devin Vassell | 500/1 |
| All others | 700/1 |
Brunson’s game-high 30 points in Game 1, along with a pair of tough fadeaway jumpers down the stretch in both Knicks road wins, have him as the clear favorite at +100 at the moment, as he opened with +210 odds.
Despite struggling with his shooting efficiency — 33 percent from the field in the series — Brunson has solidified his reputation as a clutch performer and is averaging 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Towns’ first-half brilliance in Game 2 has him with the second-best odds of +185, after opening at 18-1 on DraftKings.
In his first NBA Finals, Towns has recorded two consecutive double-doubles, including a signature 21-point, 13-rebound, and four-assist outing on Friday. The Knicks’ defensive physicality, combined with Towns relishing the individual matchup, has thrown Wembanyama and the Spurs off their game.
Unlike Chet Holmgren, the Knicks are not shying away from the 7-foot-4 challenge Wembanyama poses in the paint. Towns has made multiple plays off the dribble, going right at the elite rim protector.
Aside from Wembanyama, the next closest players in the race are Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby at 150-1 apiece.
During the second quarter of Game 2, Bridges ignited the offense by knocking down three crucial shots from beyond the arc. The versatile wing player delivered an impactful performance, totaling 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
If not for his teammates, one would think his consideration for the award would also be in play.
While the series remains far from over, Wembanyama faces a significant uphill battle as the Spurs enter Game 3 as 2.5-point underdogs on the spread.
To stage a comeback, he’ll have to emulate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2021 performance, when the Bucks rallied from a 2-0 deficit against the Suns.
The 2021 Finals mark the latest occasion where a team successfully overcame a 2-0 deficit, a feat capped by Antetokounmpo securing the NBA Finals MVP.
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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