2026-27 NBA Clutch Player of the Year Odds and Predictions – Who Will Come Up Big?

Jalen Brunson (+700)

Jalen Brunson deserves a spot near the top of the NBA Clutch Player odds. New York can put the ball in his hands late and trust him to create a shot, draw a foul, or find an open teammate. We just saw his work in the NBA playoffs, when Brunson led the Knicks to the NBA Championship.

His record supports that confidence. Brunson won this award in 2024-25 after averaging a league-leading 5.6 points in clutch situations. He also shot 51.5% from the field during those possessions, showing he could combine volume with efficiency.

I like the way Brunson uses footwork and changes of pace to get to his spots. When a defense switches a screen, he can attack the matchup without needing the Knicks to restart the offense. That becomes especially valuable when the shot clock is running down.

The concern is the price. At +700, Brunson offers a smaller return than Edwards or Gilgeous-Alexander, and I do not see enough separation to make him my first choice. He is a serious threat, but a successful bet still depends on New York playing enough close games. I would rather take the bigger payout on SGA at +900.

Anthony Edwards (+900)

Anthony Edwards has the scoring range to build a strong Clutch Player of the Year case. He can attack the rim, rise up from midrange, or hit a three that changes the direction of a tight game.

That variety matters when defenses know where the ball is going. Minnesota can use Edwards as its main creator and let him read the coverage. A defender who gives him space risks a pull-up jumper, while one who crowds him can open a driving lane.

I also like his ability to contribute at the other end. A late stop can be just as valuable as a basket, even if scoring receives more attention in this award conversation. Edwards has the athletic tools to affect both ends during important possessions.

My biggest concern is shot selection. A difficult three can create a memorable highlight, but taking too many contested jumpers could hurt his efficiency. I would want to see him keep attacking the paint and making the simple pass when extra defenders arrive. Edwards will also have to share the ball with LaMelo Ball. Edwards is the better option, but that won’t stop Ball from getting his shots up.

At +900, Edwards is an appealing alternative to Brunson. His scoring ceiling is high enough to lead this race if Minnesota gives him plenty of chances to close games. Still, at the same price as Gilgeous-Alexander, I prefer SGA’s controlled approach and proven production in clutch situations.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+900)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is my favorite bet on this board. The reigning Clutch Player of the Year already has a strong record of delivering when Oklahoma City needs a late basket.

In 2025-26, he led the NBA with 175 clutch points and 16 go-ahead field goals in clutch time. Those numbers provide a clear reason to like his chances of repeating.

His game also fits these situations. SGA changes speed, gets into the paint, and creates space for short jumpers. He can draw contact when defenders try to stop his drives, giving Oklahoma City another route to points when outside shots are not falling.

The risk is opportunity. If the Thunder settle too many games before the final five minutes, he could finish with fewer clutch possessions than his rivals. However, with NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds of +900, I like his combination of late-game control and scoring ability enough to make him my top selection.

Luka Dončić (+1200)

Luka Dončić has the offensive tools to challenge the favorites in the NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds. When a game slows down, the Lakers can put the ball in his hands and let him create.

His biggest strength is the number of ways he can attack. Dončić can hit a step-back three, work into the paint, or use his size against a smaller defender. If opponents send extra help, his passing can create an open shot for a teammate.

I like his ability to rescue a possession when the first play breaks down. However, shot selection matters. Too many difficult jumpers could hurt his efficiency, even if a few of those shots produce memorable game-winning moments.

At +1200, Dončić offers an appealing return. He could win if he combines strong late scoring with consistent results in close games. Still, I prefer Gilgeous-Alexander’s approach and proven clutch production at +900.

Nikola Jokić (+1200)

Nikola Jokić brings a different style to the Clutch Player of the Year race. Denver can run its closing offense through him and trust him to find the best available shot.

His touch around the basket makes him dangerous when the Nuggets need two points. He can score over a defender, work from the post, or find a cutter when opponents focus too much attention on him. That variety helps Denver avoid forcing a difficult jumper late in the clock.

The concern for this award is recognition. Jokić could make the right pass on several winning possessions while a teammate gets more attention for making the shots. His impact may be greater than his clutch scoring total suggests.

At +1200, Jokić is a credible contender who can control close games without dominating every shot attempt. However, I slightly prefer Dončić’s scoring upside at the same price, and SGA remains my overall pick.

Victor Wembanyama (+2000)

Victor Wembanyama offers an interesting route to the award because he can decide a close game on either end. A late block, contested rebound, or finish at the rim could give San Antonio the possession it needs to win.

His size makes him a difficult target to defend near the basket. I would like to see the Spurs use that advantage late, putting him in positions where he can finish quickly or draw a foul. His outside shooting adds another option, although I would be cautious about relying too heavily on difficult three-point shots.

The challenge is how San Antonio divides its late possessions. The guards can create offense too, so Wembanyama needs a clear role that produces enough decisive moments to attract voters. Also, Wembanyama faded late in NBA Finals games. He’ll have to prove that he has improved his conditioning.

At +2000, he is worth watching as a longer shot. I would want to see the Spurs consistently turn to him in close games before making him my main NBA Clutch Player betting option over the leading guards, but the potential is there for “Wemby”!

Jayson Tatum (+2500)

Jayson Tatum has the shot creation to outperform these odds. His size allows him to shoot over defenders, and he can attack a switch when Boston requires a basket late in the clock.

There is encouraging news about his availability. Tatum is participating fully in training camp after his Achilles recovery, giving him a chance to build a much larger season-long case than he could during his shortened 2025-26 campaign.

I like his ability to create a shot from several areas, but I would want efficient decisions in close games. Getting to the rim or finding an open teammate could help his case more than repeatedly settling for contested three-point shots. Also, Tatum is absolutely getting the ball late for the Celtics, instead of having to share with Jaylen Brown.

With NBA Clutch Player of the Year odds of +2500, the return is attractive. Still, I would wait to see how Boston’s closing offense develops and how consistently Tatum produces over the opening weeks. He has the talent to enter this race, however.