Jimmy Butler's consistently one of the NBA's most underrated players. Yet here is again, spearheading a Miami Heat team just two wins away from an NBA Finals appearance.
Entering Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Boston Celtics, the MVP award is Butler's to lose: He's the favorite at every single shop, ahead the Boston duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Odds to Win Eastern Conference Finals MVP
*Current Odds via BetMGM
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Butler | +100 |
| Jayson Tatum | +170 |
| Jaylen Brown | +400 |
| Bam Adebayo | +1400 |
| Marcus Smart | +2000 |
| Tyler Herro | +5000 |
| Kyle Lowry | +15000 |
| Al Horford | +15000 |
| Robert Williams | +15000 |
| Grant Williams | +15000 |
| Derrick White | +15000 |
| Max Strus | +20000 |
| Victor Oladipo | +20000 |
| Gabe Vincent | +20000 |
| Duncan Robinson | +25000 |
Butler had his fingerprints all over the series opener.
He poured in 41 points, adding nine boards, five assists and four steals in a blowout win over Boston. And despite Miami's loss in Game 2, Butler put up a game-high 29, the second consecutive contest leading either team in points.
Butler's price tag would likely be a couple cents higher had he played all four quarters in Miami's Game 3 upset win.
The six-time All-Star was ruled out for the second half due to knee inflammation, but contributed with eight points, three assists, two rebounds and a couple of steals through 20 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, Adebayo is clearly Butler's biggest threat of any teammate. The big man erupted for 31 points and 10 rebounds in the Game 3 win. He likely doesn't have to worry about Tyler Herro, who's sidelined from Monday's game with a groin injury.
For instance, FanDuel has completely written Herro off, dropping his odds to +21000 to pick up the honor.
Tatum's odds are shorter than Brown's at every sportsbook, but the former has a steep hill to climb: Tatum recorded just 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting in the Game 3 home loss.
Boston is a seven-point favorite for Monday showdown, which tips at 8:30 p.m. ET. for this Game 4 matchup.
