Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton weren't expected to be starring in the leading roles on the NBA Finals stage.

While the average fan might flip through the channels, basketball diehards understand the 2025 NBA Finals might cap off one of the greatest individual seasons ever. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is at the doorstep to complete a rare trifecta of MVP, Finals MVP and a championship ring.

Oddsmakers see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the clear player to beat in the race for NBA Finals MVP. SGAs' MVP odds are as short as -625 as of Tuesday.