NBA Most Improved Player Odds for 2025-26 – Who Will Take It to the Next Level?

Thompson blossomed in his second NBA season, averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He also added 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks, and earned NBA Defensive Player of the Year consideration.

Amen’s ready to launch to the next level 🚀

The 2K Sim predicts this years Most Improved Player will be Amen Thompson! pic.twitter.com/EgD7bfehRy

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) October 15, 2025

However, Thompson increased his numbers across the board after the All-Star break on both ends of the floor, although his free-throw percentage dropped. But now that Thompson is playing next to Kevin Durant, the Rockets have a ton of length at the forward position, and Thompson can use his otherworldly athleticism to go to the next level!

If there is a knock on Thompson, it is his shooting, as he shot 27.5% from three-point land. He did improve after the break, shooting 33.3%, up from 25.4%.

Thompson also has a strong work ethic, so it wouldn’t be a shock if he gets up to 35% from beyond the arc. That would open up more spacing for his drives to the rim. Also, Thompson should continue to be one of the league’s best defenders. If that’s the case, Thompson’s NBA Most Improved Player odds at +800 will look like a bargain!

After losing in seven games in the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers are in flux. Tyrese Haliburton is likely gone for the entire season with an Achilles injury. Myles Turner is now in Milwaukee. Pascal Siakam leads the team now, but who else will step up?

Bennedict Mathurin yesterday vs SAS
(preseason)

31 PTS
11/12 FG
4/4 3PM
109% TS pic.twitter.com/cHryPGbbc9

— Tahj (@simplyballup) October 14, 2025

I think both players will improve this season, but I would back Mathurin, as I think his scoring is going to increase drastically. He averaged 16.1 points last season, and shot just 34% from three-point land. I expect an improvement this season. He’ll have a massive green light to let it fly, and he can get hot in a hurry.

Nembhard will take over for Haliburton at point guard, and I think he’ll have a fine season. But Mathurin will have a chance to average 23-24 points a game, and I would take his NBA MIP odds at +1500 over his Indiana teammate!

Avdija was a revelation for the Trail Blazers last season, especially after the All-Star break. In 20 games, the Israeli forward averaged 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. He also shot 50.8% from the floor, including 41.7% from beyond the arc.

Deni Avdija’s 24.0 points per game average finished third in all of 2025 Eurobasket

He only trailed Luka and Giannis for the entire tournament

Deni is ready to take on the first-option role next season 💪 pic.twitter.com/RbWWqJJ2kd

— Blazers Lead (@BlazersLead) September 15, 2025

Avdija also played well at EuroBasket, and seems ready to take a big step in Portland. Scoot Henderson is out for at least two months with a torn hamstring. Damian Lillard likely won’t play this year because of his Achilles. Anfernee Simons is now in Boston. Jrue Holiday isn’t a scorer.

Therefore, a season of 23-25 points a night isn’t out of the question for Avdija. He and Shaedon Sharpe will have control of the offense, at least until Henderson is back. At +1500, Avdija looks like a solid play in these NBA Most Improved Player betting odds!

Giddey was spectacular after the All-Star break, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. He even shot 45.7% from three-point land in 19 games, and earned a big-money extension. However,  Buzelis‘ NBA MIP odds here!

MATAS BUZELIS SHOWING ALL THE WAY OFF…

Loses the defense and drops the hammer! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/w3mJbb3aJf

— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025

It took Buzelis until after the All-Star break to get going. But in 27 games, the Lithuanian-American forward averaged 13.0 points and 4.8 rebounds, shooting 46.7% from the field, and 36.1% from three-point land all season.

I think Giddey played as well as he could and has reached his ceiling. I also believe the three-point shooting was an outlier for the Aussie guard. But Buzelis has another level to get to. With Zach LaVine now in Sacramento, there will be more touches to go around, and I think Buzelis will benefit greatly!

Sheppard might be forced into a bigger role in Houston, due to the injury to Fred VanVleet. The former Kentucky product had a tough rookie season, playing in just 52 games, averaging 4.4 points in 12.6 minutes.

Reed Sheppard in 19 minutes:
13 PTS – 3 REB – 2 AST – 1 STL – 1 BLK
(4/8 FG | 3/6 3PT | 2/2 FT)
pic.twitter.com/0BEbV7Nif8

— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 15, 2025

But he showed some glimpses after the All-Star break, averaging 7.6 points in 15.8 minutes. He shot a remarkable 48.8% from long distance, and his assists jumped from 1.1 before the break, to 2.7 after.

If there is one thing Sheppard is good at, it’s shooting. That’ll be at a premium on the Rockets, to afford more space for Durant, Thompson, and Alperen Şengün. If he can take advantage of this opportunity, Sheppard’s NBA MIP odds can send a huge return to your betting account!