Shocking Shift in NBA MVP Odds: Unexpected Contender Takes the Lead!

Isn’t it wild how one electrifying night on the hardwood can flip the entire MVP landscape on its head? Just days into the NBA season, and already Victor Wembanyama has shifted from promising rookie to front-runner with the kind of impact that makes you rub your eyes twice. After putting up a staggering 40 points and 15 rebounds against the Rockets, the Spurs’ phenom didn’t just make a statement—he hijacked the spotlight, pushing veterans like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic into the shadows of the betting boards. But here’s the rub: can Wemby keep this blazing momentum alive over 81 more games, or is this just an early-season flash in the pan? Either way, the MVP race just got a whole lot juicier—and boy, am I hooked.

Minnesota Timberwolves v Oklahoma City Thunder - Game Two — (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The new NBA season is only a few days old, but the race for MVP is already exciting and fluid.

Before the season started, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets had the best odds, but things have changed.

According to Polymarket, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs now has the highest odds to win MVP, with +280.

This happened after just one spectacular game, but Wembanyama could have many this year.

Victor Wembanyama now has the highest odds to win MVP on @PolymarketSport (+280). pic.twitter.com/lxPNWdihjH

— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) October 23, 2025

In his opening game against the Houston Rockets, Wembanyama put up a wild 40 points and 15 rebounds.

He was a dominant threat on both ends of the court, putting up huge buckets and also shutting down the Rockets again and again.

For many NBA fans, this was a transcendent game, the best of Wembanyama’s young career and perhaps a sign of things to come.

If he has more games like this, he could become Defensive Player of the Year and MVP.

More importantly, he could help the Spurs finally return to the playoffs.

There were many headlines and tons of speculation about Wembanyama during the summer as he traveled the world, meeting with monks and hanging out with NBA icons.

It was clear that he was doing everything in his power to improve his physicality and mindset before 2025-26.

This was just one game, so Wembanyama has to keep producing a lot for the next 81.

But it’s hard to imagine him having a better start to the year, and the impact on the MVP race has been immediate.

The post Latest Odds Reveal New Betting Favorite To Win NBA MVP appeared first on The Cold Wire.