:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68673975/1296425662.0.jpg)
We’re almost one month into the 2020-21 NBA season and just this week and a half, the Rookie of the Year race is starting to take shape. That shape is in the form of Charlotte Hornets G LaMelo Ball, who is running away with the award right now. Ball registered his first career triple-double to become the youngest player to do so in NBA history. He’s doing all of this while coming off the bench, playing big minutes for an improved Hornets squad. As a result, the majority of the betting handle and percentage is going in favor of Ball, who is currently the favorite to win ROTY at -200 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s take a look at the splits from DKSB.
Behind Ball in terms of handle there are two interesting names. First, I guess we should address the fact that almost 40 percent of the handle is going toward Ball to win. It would be surprising to see any other player take home the award at this point. The Hornets rookie would either need to get injured (god forbid) or fall of a cliff in terms of production.
Golden State Warriors C James Wiseman and Chicago Bulls SF Patrick Williams are the two players getting the most love behind Ball at this point. Wiseman and Williams have one thing in common — they’ve both started every game for their respective teams this season. Consistency goes a long way in winning Rookie of the Year. Ball should be fine, but there’s a chance he struggles in stretches this season. If that is the case, both Wiseman and Williams have a decent case for ROTY. The Warriors and Bulls are both playing competitive basketball. You can argue both teams are improved with the rookies on the roster.
Below all of them are a few interesting guards (well a lot of interesting guards). Immanuel Quickley, Tyrese Maxey, Tyrese Haliburton and Cole Anthony will all have a chance to improve their odds in the race. Haliburton is second behind Ball at +350. Anthony may end up being the starting PG for the Orlando Magic the rest of the season. Maxey and Quickley have both shown flashes of potential when they’ve needed to step up. It’ll be difficult for Maxey and Quickley to jump Haliburton and Ball. Anthony will have the opportunity but the Magic may hold him back. Only time will tell.
NBA Rookie of the Year Betting Splits, Jan. 15
| Handle Rank | Player | Odds | % of Handle | % of Bets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handle Rank | Player | Odds | % of Handle | % of Bets |
| 1 | LaMelo Ball | -200 | 39% | 21% |
| 2 | James Wiseman | +800 | 16% | 13% |
| 3 | Patrick Williams | +10000 | 8% | 10% |
| 4 | Cole Anthony | +2000 | 6% | 7% |
| 5 | Obi Toppin | +3300 | 6% | 8% |
| 6 | Immanuel Quickley | +8000 | 4% | 5% |
| 7 | Tyrese Haliburton | +350 | 4% | 6% |
| 8 | Tyrese Maxey | +3300 | 4% | 7% |
| 9 | Payton Pritchard | +3300 | 3% | 3% |
| 10 | Bol Bol | +15000 | 3% | 4% |
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.