Toronto Raptors fans may not have much to cheer about this season, but the NBA is back and that’s all they can ask for. The regular season starts on Christmas Day, so you should get your bets in for the MVP award in prior to tip-off; here are the five players we think stand the best chance of being honored with the award.

LeBron James (+350): He’s the best all-around player in the game, this much is true, but James should have plenty of motivation after his flameout in the Finals against Dallas. But while a BetOnline.com review may tell you that he’s the favorite, it would also say that James will have to be spectacular with Dwyane Wade on the court beside him. Some don’t even think James (a two-time winner of this award) is the MVP of his team.

Kevin Durant (+350): The Thunder fell to Memphis in the Western Conference semifinals, and there was some discussion on who is the leader of this team, Durant or Russell Westbrook. If they’re going to take the next step in your bookie software, Durant has to take charge of this team. He is also going for his third straight scoring title.

Derrick Rose (+600): The reigning MVP needs some help if Chicago is going to reach the Finals, and if it wasn’t for Rose’s incredible play in the regular season, the Bulls wouldn’t have been a No.6 seed, much less the top seed in the East. He’s always improving and Rose is going to be an MVP threat for a long, long time.

Carmelo Anthony (+650): Anthony should be the price per head favorite to challenge Durant for the scoring title, and he’s in a system that preaches offense and defense is something that gets in the way of scoring more. His spot in the MVP race has to do with the success of his team and if the Knicks can claim a top-three spot in the East, he has a real shot of winning the award. The issue is, he may split votes with Amare Stoudemire, or even Chris Paul if he moves to the Big Apple.

Blake Griffin (+1450): No player’s chances in this race are more connected to their team’s success as Griffin, as the Clippers haven’t been a consistently good team for the last couple of decades. But they have an exciting young team led by Griffin, arguably the most explosive player in the NBA with his ability to fly high above the rim. The Clippers have to get, at least, a No.4 seed in the tough Western Conference, but if that happens, Griffin will be an excellent darkhorse bet in your online sportsbooks.