Paolo Banchero Builds MVP Odds with Heated Performances
Paolo Banchero has been making impressive performances for the 2024-25 season, and is now showing himself to be a prime candidate for the MVP award this year. Three seasons in, Paolo Banchero has been the elite performer that many fans have been looking forward to this season with his elite scoring bursts to begin the season. The Orlando Magic are riding on his back for some impressive action, and it seems that he is also coming up with some rise on the MVP odds as well.
Four games into the season Banchero has already notched a 50-point game of his own, bringing the uproar of his big game with the way he has sparked the first few fixtures of the season. If you are not impressed, Banchero has already broken through 100 points, thanks to his 50-point performance against the Indiana Pacers.
At this point, the Magic can expect more from Banchero as he continues to put up impressive numbers in the early stretch of the season. With the best night of his career in the books, one can say that Banchero is on the pace for something bigger – the MVP award. That is something that isn’t impossible at this point in time.
A Career Night to Remember
Banchero led the Orlando Magic to pull off a 119-115 comeback win – and it was a game filled with impressive numbers as the 50-ball game proved to be more historic than many people can expect. For starters, Banchero tied the most points for a Magic player in a half at 37 points, and his 50 points would wind up as the fifth-highest scoring effort in Magic history.
On top of that, the 2023 Kia Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-Star also became the second player in the history of the NBA to score 50 or more points, 10 or more rebounds and five or more assists in a game before turning 22. That says a lot about how his game has continuously evolved with the way the Magic has also become a promising contender in the season.
“Man, I’m tired. I’m tired as hell,” Banchero said after the first 50-point effort in the NBA this season. “But it was a hell of a game. Felt like I was in an open gym, back at home, just working on my game. Every shot felt like it was going in and it’s a good feeling when you’ve got a day like that. Not every game is going to be like that, but I’m glad today was.”
Historic Night Brings Good Odds
Banchero’s 50-point outing marks the seventh 50-plus-point night in the history of the Orlando Magic, and the first since Tracy McGrady’s 62 points in 2004 against the Wizards. Banchero joins legendary names in Magic history in that regard, such as McGrady (four times), Shaquille O’Neal, and Nick Anderson.
Entering the night, Banchero’s previous career-high in points was 43, set last January against Sacramento. As of the time of writing, Banchero is also set at no. 10 in the overall 2024-25 MVP odds, with his numbers ranging from +3,000 to +5,000. While there are certainly bigger candidates ahead of him, one can expect that Banchero will keep building his case as the season goes on with the way his game is on the rise.
Considering the fact that the Orlando Magic are also expected to make a deep playoff run this season, bettors should consider placing some fun wagers on him and the team. If you are keen to try it, make sure to get a grasp of your potential winnings by using GambleSpot’s Parlay and Odds Calculator to know your possible prize should your bet unfold.