Books like Michael Porter Jr. as Most Improved, Rudy Gobert DPOY / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Credit Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets rates among leading candidates for Most Improved Player in 2021-22, based on odds from multiple sportsbooks.

Porter Jr. signed a massive contract extension with the Nuggets and Denver isn't alone in banking on a big leap from the 23-year-old.

The 6-foot-10 forward is +1000 at FanDuel and tied with Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole as the favorite for the award.

BetMGM goes with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) as co-favorites at +700. Porter Jr. is third at +750.

In a total of 35 games after the All-Star Break when Jamal Murray was sidelined with a knee injury, the Nuggets saw Porter Jr. flourish to the tune of 22.3 points per game, 56.4 percent shooting, and 46.4 percent 3-point shooting.

Williamson opens the season on the shelf, recovering from foot surgery, following a coaching change.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game last season.

Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM put equal odds on 76ers guard Ben Simmons and Utah's Rudy Gobert to claim the Defensive Player of the Year Award. FanDuel gives Gobert a big edge at +380, with Simmons and Lakers big man Anthony Davis at +500.

At BetRivers, Gobert is +300 and Davis +500 along with Simmons.

DPOY odds were likely to be adjusted Tuesday in response to the growing fracture between Simmons and the 76ers. The All-Star was suspended one game and teammate Joel Embiid said, "at this point, I don't care about that man."

FanDuel and BetMGM are in agreement on Wizards guard Bradley Beal leading the NBA in scoring. Beal is +340 at FanDuel and +350 at BetMGM.

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