National Basketball Association

Steph Curry opens as a betting favorite to win his third straight NBA MVP award

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:13 p.m. ET

Andrew Lynch

Stephen Curry has a lot on his plate next season. He's going to have to figure out how to share the ball with his Golden State Warriors teammates next year, now that Kevin Durant is on his way to town, and he has to make sure his team avoids a metaphorical hangover after their disappointing Finals loss to the Cavaliers.

Oddsmakers don't seem worried about Curry taking a step back with the new-look Warriors, however. On Thursday afternoon, online sportsbook Bovada posted its opening lines for the 2016-17 NBA MVP award, and Curry opened as one of the betting favorites to win his third consecutive MVP award.

Via Bovada.com:

And if you're feeling super-lucky, Kristaps Porzingis, Brandon Ingram, Dirk Nowitzki and Ben Simmons are all +30000 to win the 2016-17 MVP award.

However, things changed quickly overnight. While Curry remains atop the list at 15/4, LeBron James fell back to 4/1 after Russell Westbrook moved up to 15/4 following the official announcement of his extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Apparently, bettors are expecting Westbrook to light the NBA on fire next year.

A third-straight MVP award for Curry would be a rare accomplishment in the NBA, but it's not unprecedented. Bill Russell took home three consecutive MVPs from 1961 until 1963, Wilt Chamberlain won three straight from 1966 through 1968, and Larry Bird won three in a row from 1984 through 1986.

Of course, in 1968, there were only 12 NBA teams, which made it a little easier to claim to be the best in the league.