There’s plenty of excitement around the Sixers as we inch toward the opening tip of the 2019-20 season.
Much of that is centered around the team’s two young All-Stars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Apparently, the betting public is sharing in that excitement.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Simmons is the most popular bet for MVP while Embiid is second. Their odds certainly have something to do with it. Embiid (+1600) has the eighth best odds while Simmons (+4000) has the 12th best. In layman’s terms, it means if you put $100 on Embiid you’d make $1,600 and $4,000 if you put $100 on Simmons.
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The team’s projected record is also a big part of that. Last season, Giannis Antetokounmpo won the MVP after led the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the NBA. With the Eastern Conference looking prime for the taking — and the West likely pummeling each other — there’s a chance the Sixers could finish with the most wins. If that happens, one or both players will likely get strong consideration.
As has been the story for their entire careers, the development of Simmons’ shot and the health of Embiid will be the biggest factors here.
The first step toward either player’s candidacy starts Wednesday night.
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