NBA Clutch Player of the Year Odds
Golden State's Curry Solid Favorite to Win Award
This is the second year for the NBA‘s Clutch Player of the Year Award. The winner receives the Jerry West Trophy, which is modeled after his jump shot. West, the 14-time NBA All-Star, was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” by Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn.
The award winner is selected by a panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league. From that perspective, the award is based on perception as much as anything. Last year’s winner, De’Aaron Fox, ran away with the award.
He received 91 of the 100 first-place votes and had 460, with Jimmy Butler placing a distant second with 104 points. This year’s voting is expected to be a little closer. The NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds have Steph Curry as the -150 favorite.
Steph Curry -150
Steph Curry -150Curry finished ninth in last year’s voting, but is predicted to walk away with the hardware this season. He has made some key baskets for the Warriors this season and it’s hard to argue against him.
He’s well-liked in the league, which always helps when it comes to media voting on an award. It doesn’t help that the Warriors are No. 10 in the Western Conference standings, but it’s hard to blame that on Curry.
The Warriors aren’t looking like a team ready for another NBA Finals run, although they are playing better recently. Golden State is 8-2 in its last 10 games.
DeMar Rozan +110
DeMar Rozan +110The NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds had Rozan as a solid favorite before the season began, but the Bulls have struggled. When you’re 37-42 you’re not capitalizing when it’s needed most. Much like Curry, however, Rozan’s reputation as a clutch player down the stretch will help him here.
Chicago is also going to be competing in the play-in, so voters may not hold the team performance against him too much. Rozan may get some support from those who release NBA expert picks, but Curry likely has the inside track. He did finish third last year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander +2900
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander +2900The NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds take a huge drop to SGA. He’s missed some time with injuries, which is going to make it that much more difficult.
SGA placed seventh in last year’s voting and the Thunder are having a solid season. That can’t hurt, however he isn’t the first name that comes to mind when talking about clutch performers.
Damian Lillard, Nikola Jokic +10000
Damian Lillard, Nikola Jokic +10000 
There’s no argument that both Lillard and Jokic are great players. Both players received some votes last year, but were well down the list. Lillard has a little better of a reputation as a clutch player, while Jokic’s solid all game long.
Both will likely get some votes again this year, but winning the award is a definite longshot. If you need a player for any of the NBA games today, you could do a lot worse than Jokic or Lillard. If you want somebody to come up big down the stretch, you’re probably better off with somebody like Curry.
Dejounte Murray +15000
Dejounte Murray +15000Murray is having a solid year and has come up big with Tre Young out, but he’s unlikely to win this one. He should pick up some votes and finish in the top eight. Asking any more is probably aiming a little bit too high.
For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
