4 Cleveland Players Among NBA Finals MVP Favorites

Oddsmakers list Cavaliers stars as top contenders for Finals MVP award before playoffs start.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of wine red, gold, and navy blue, capturing the energy and dynamics of the sport.The Cavaliers' star-studded roster positions the team as a top contender for the NBA championship and the Finals MVP award.Cleveland Today

With the NBA playoffs still weeks away, one major betting outlet has already released odds for the NBA Finals MVP award, and four players from the Cleveland Cavaliers are among the top contenders. The Cavaliers, led by their star-studded roster, are expected to make a deep postseason run and potentially capture their first NBA championship since 2016.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers have not won an NBA title since 2016, and their star-studded roster led by four potential Finals MVP candidates suggests the team is poised for a championship run this season. This early recognition of Cleveland's talent level and title aspirations builds anticipation for the playoffs and the potential for the city's first NBA championship in nearly a decade.

The details

According to the betting odds, Cavaliers stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen are all among the top 10 favorites to be named NBA Finals MVP if their team makes it to the championship series. Mitchell, the team's leading scorer, has the second-best odds at +400, while Mobley, Garland, and Allen are all listed between +800 and +1200.

  • The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin in mid-April 2026.
  • The NBA Finals are expected to take place in June 2026.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

A five-time NBA All-Star and the Cavaliers' leading scorer, Mitchell is considered one of the league's elite two-way players.

Evan Mobley

The second-year big man out of USC has emerged as a dominant two-way force and a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Darius Garland

The Cavaliers' All-Star point guard and floor general, Garland is known for his elite playmaking and scoring ability.

Jarrett Allen

A two-time All-Star center, Allen anchors the Cavaliers' stifling defense and is a dominant presence in the paint.

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What they’re saying

“This Cavaliers team is loaded with talent, and it's no surprise to see their stars at the top of the Finals MVP odds. They have the potential to win it all this year.”

— Jared Dudley, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to secure a top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and maintain their health heading into the postseason. If they can make it to the NBA Finals, their star-studded roster will be heavily favored to capture the championship and have one of their players named Finals MVP.

The takeaway

The Cleveland Cavaliers' talented roster, led by four players with realistic chances of winning NBA Finals MVP, positions the team as a legitimate championship contender this season. The early recognition of their star power and title aspirations builds excitement for what could be a historic season in Cleveland.