NBA Awards and Honors 2025-26
The 2025-26 NBA season is drawing major attention in the Philippines, especially with NBA All-Star voting and the battle for top NBA awards. Here, we cover everything from MVP to Rookie of the Year. You’ll find expert predictions, strategies, and betting tips.
NBA Awards betting guide 2025 for Filipino bettors
Basketball has long been the number one sport in the Philippines, and the NBA All-Star game remains one of the biggest events of the year. While bettors enjoy the excitement offered through live action, many fans are drawn to the extra thrill that comes with betting on events beyond the court. Awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player can all be bet on, and this type of wagering is just as appealing as betting on the NBA All-Star weekend itself.
A common way to approach this market is through future bets. These are also known as long-term wagers. Instead of predicting the result of a single night, bettors place stakes on season-long outcomes, such as the NBA All-Star roster or award winners. This kind of betting rewards those who have patience, and to be successful, you need to be able to analyse statistics, team form, and injury to find value well before any results are confirmed.
How to bet on NBA Awards from the Philippines
Betting on honours like MVP or the NBA All-Star lineup is simple, with the first focus being on identifying the best betting sites. Here are the steps to follow to help you:
- Check the licence: Be sure that the bookmaker is regulated by PAGCOR, Curacao, or other trusted authorities.
- Compare platforms: Favour sites that have competitive odds on awards and NBA All-Star teams. Also, look for bonuses and promotions that can be used on your bets.
- Payment methods: Check that a sportsbook supports local options, such as GCash and PayMaya.
How to read odds and choose bets
To bet on awards or on the NBA All-Star voting results, you need to understand how odds work. If a player has a minus, this shows that they are a strong favourite. A plus shows that they’re an underdog, but the lower the number, the more favoured they are.
Examples right now are Nikola Jokic (+200) as the favourite for NBA MVP, while Luka Doncic (+800) is more of an underdog.
It’s worth noting the odds shift. Reports in the media, standout performances, and injuries all have an impact on who looks like a favourite in the NBA All-Star voting leaders.
NBA Awards betting strategies
To be successful when betting on awards such as MVP and Rookie of the Year, Filipino bettors can improve their chances by combining key strategies. Some of those you could consider include:
- Early betting: When you place wagers before the season gets fully underway, you can often secure higher returns on promising players. As an example, a rising star could be priced long before the NBA All-Star game boosts their profile.
- Live adjusted betting: Odds shift throughout the season. This can be down to factors such as performance, injuries, or even media buzz. When you track those changes, you can take advantage of opportunities when a player’s odds lengthen unexpectedly. Following the NBA All-Star voting periods is important, as fan support may influence decisions and where awards go.
- Hedging: This involves spreading wagers across several strong candidates. It helps to reduce risk and gives you a better chance of making a profit, even if your main pick doesn’t win.
- Bankroll management: Never place your entire stake on one market, whether it’s awards or the NBA All-Star draft. Instead, you should budget carefully so that betting can be sustainable throughout the season.
Full list of 2024-2025 Award Finalists
It’s the end of the season when the spotlight shifts from the NBA All-Star weekend to the players and coaches who defined the year. Filipino bettors study these awards closely as they can reveal which names have real influence both on and off the court. From MVP to Defensive Player of the Year, every award matters. Keeping track of the finalists and winners can help with predictions for the next season, whether in futures markets or during NBA All-Star live events. That’s why we’ve put together a full list of the 2024-2025 winners:
MVP (Most Valuable Player) – the most prestigious individual award
- Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (Winner)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) – an emphasis on defensive specialists
- Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks (Winner)
- Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Sixth Man of the Year (6MOY) – hidden heroes of the bench
- Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons (Winner)
- Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
Rookie of the Year (ROY) – a bet on rising stars
- Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs (Winner)
- Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
- Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Clutch Player of the Year
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (Winner)
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Most Improved Player (MIP) – players who have made a breakthrough
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (Winner)
- Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
- Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
Coach of the Year (COY) – the influence of coaches
- Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers (Winner)
- J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons
- Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets
NBA Hustle Award
- Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
NBA Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Additional honours announced during the 2025 postseason:
- Kia All-NBA Teams
- Kia All-Defensive Teams
- NBA Basketball Executive of the Year
- NBA Social Justice Champion
- NBA Sportsmanship Award
- J. Walker Kennedy Citizenship Award (Professional Basketball Writers Association)
All the most popular NBA Awards
For Filipino fans, the end of the season goes beyond the NBA All-Star results and into the awards that recognise the league’s top performers. Each honour carries prestige and betting interest, and you need to understand them before placing wagers.
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Most Valuable Player
The MVP is the most prestigious of all NBA season awards. It recognises the player who has the greatest impact on the success of a team. Voting is carried out by a panel of media representatives, and they consider factors such as performance, leadership, and team results. Kareem Abdul-Jaddar has the record for the most NBA MVP awards, with six. Next comes Michael Jordan with five, and LeBron James with four. This is one of the most popular markets for bettors, and it’s interesting to see if anyone can beat the NBA's most MVP awards record.
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Defensive Player of the Year
The Defensive Player of the Year award is given to the player who dominates all things defensively. Voted on by the media, it looks at the likes of rim protection, steals, and advanced defensive metrics. It’s Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace who top the awards for basketball players in this category, with four wins each. This award stands out among NBA regular-season awards because defensive value can be harder to measure and provides great betting value when recognised later in the year.
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Rookie of the Year
The Rookie of the Year award highlights rising stars who stand out during their first NBA season. Here, the media vote on performance, efficiency, and overall impact. Some of the most iconic winners of this award are Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James. Betting markets for this category are lively, and odds can see dramatic swings. The award is a major part of the NBA awards finalists discussions each spring, making it one of the most volatile and exciting, one for bettors to follow.
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Coach of the Year
Coach of the Year recognises tactical brilliance, leadership, and exceeding expectations. It’s voted on by the media, and it often goes to coaches who are behind dramatic turnarounds. Gregg Popovich, Pat Riley, and Don Nelson have each won three times, the most in history. As the impact of coaching is often overlooked, betting on this market can present some great opportunities. For those exploring the wider NBA awards winners, this is a category that shows how off-court leadership can lead to season success.
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Sixth Man of the Year
This is awarded to the league’s top bench player, and it celebrates scoring and leadership outside of the starting lineup. The media look at stats such as points per game, shooting percentages, and overall influence. Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams lead the basketball awards list here, with three wins each. This market is popular among bettors because bench players are often undervalued in early lines. Among NBA regular season awards, it highlights the depth that’s needed for teams to become real contenders, and not just average.
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Executive of the Year
This goes to the general manager or team executive who’s most responsible for roster success. Unlike other awards we’ve looked at, this one is voted for by fellow executives rather than the media. Some of the most notable past winners include Jerry Colangelo, Bob Myers, and R.C. Buford. This award is less common in betting markets, but it's still listed in a full basketball awards list for the season. For bettors, they can gain insights by tracking front office moves, trades, and draft picks.
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Clutch Player of the Year
This is one of the newer NBA season awards, and it looks at the player who is most effective in late-game, high-pressure moments. Voters look at performance in the closing minutes and game-winning plays. The first winner, in 2023, was De’Aaron Fox, while Jalen Brunson added his name to this list in 2025. This award is attractive for bettors who analyse clutch statistics for value. It’s become one of the most exciting awards as it recognises decisive impact under pressure.
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Hustle Award
The Hustle Award highlights relentless energy plays that may not appear in box scores. Analysts and coaches look at deflections, charges, and contested possessions. Marcus Smart and Draymond Green are among those to claim this recognition. It’s not as high-profile as the NBA MVP awards, but bettors appreciate how it points to undervalued players. Including this in a basketball awards list shows the league’s effort to recognise effort-based contributions alongside star performances.
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J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
Presented by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, this award honours outstanding service to the community and leadership off the court. Past winners include Pau Gasol, Damian Lillard, and Jrue Holiday. While it doesn’t impact betting markets, it has a significant place in the NBA season awards landscape, reflecting how players influence society beyond basketball. Among all the awards for basketball players, this one stands out for its humanitarian focus.
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NBA Sportsmanship Award
Voted on by players, this award recognises fairness, respect, and professionalism. Grant Hill, Mike Conley, and Kemba Walker are some of its multiple-time winners. While not tied to betting, it is a respected element of the basketball awards list, underscoring how character shapes the league’s culture. For Filipino fans, it’s a reminder that the NBA awards don’t just celebrate on-court performance but also integrity.
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Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year
This award honours leadership, support, and selflessness, chosen directly by fellow NBA players. Winners such as Chauncey Billups, Shane Battier, and Jrue Holiday demonstrate the value of team-first attitudes. Though not a major betting market, it features in the broader NBA regular-season awards, emphasising the importance of chemistry. For bettors tracking narratives, this award provides context for how stars are valued in locker rooms.
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NBA Social Justice Champion
Named after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, this award celebrates players who promote equality, inclusion, and community progress. Recipients have included Carmelo Anthony and Jrue Holiday. It sits outside traditional betting categories but plays a role in shaping public perception of stars. Within the NBA awards finalists each year, this honour highlights the broader responsibilities of athletes. Filipino fans following the NBA awards winners each postseason also find meaning in how the league supports global causes.
Tips for bettors from the Philippines
Filipino fans face unique challenges and opportunities when betting on NBA season awards. The most obvious has to be the time difference. Games and announcements are often in the early hours of the morning locally. This means that bettors need to plan ahead, especially when tracking live odds. Missing key updates can change the flow of a bet, so setting alerts is a must.
It’s also worth joining local communities. Facebook groups and Reddit PH threads dedicated to basketball offer instant reactions, highlight trends, and have discussions around NBA awards odds. When you engage with other fans, it can help to give a better insight that could have otherwise been missed.
Convenience also matters. Be sure to use local payment methods, such as GCash and PayMaya, so that you can be sure of smooth and secure transactions. Filipino sportsbooks increasingly support these, and that is making betting on NBA awards winners more accessible than ever.
Perhaps the most important tip is to bet responsibly. No matter how much research has been carried out, a winning bet can never be guaranteed. Be sure to set a budget and, more importantly, stick to it. Remember, betting is a form of entertainment, and you need to be sure that it’s always fun.
Conclusion
Betting on NBA awards is never about chasing a quick win. Instead, it’s a long-term investment that rewards patience and research. Understanding the context of the league, from player form to the impact of coaching, is just as important as studying the latest statistics.
Analytics, trends, and history all play a part in spotting value across a range of NBA regular season awards. To make the best decisions, bettors need to consistently track NBA awards odds and adjust their strategies as markets change. Checking back here and staying up to date is the best way for Filipino fans to enjoy the action, while remaining responsible.
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