NBA Rookie of the Year Odds 2025: Castle New Heavy Favorite After Wembanyama Injury
If the NBA Rookie of the Year odds race was a track and field event, it'd undoubtedly be a relay race. The title has been passed around like a baton, and the latest to run his leg is San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle. Castle recently took the lead on the oddsboard before strengthening his lead during the All-Star break.
He is now trading at minus money due to a season-ending injury to his teammate, Victor Wembanyama. Memphis wing Jaylen Wells and Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware remain in reach of Castle, and No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher is also firmly in the mix.
Where does the NBA Rookie of the Year odds race stand heading into the second half of the 2025 NBA campaign?
NBA Rookie of the Year odds 2025
Live NBA Rookie of the Year odds from our best sports betting apps.
- Castle has solidified himself as the favorite, and he strengthened his grip on the award following the Wembanyama news
- One of the top rookies among NBA championship odds favorites - alongside fellow first-year and teammate Zach Edey - Wells has been a hidden gem after falling to Memphis with the No. 39 pick
- Ware continues to contend, but his inconsistent scoring makes it a difficult case for the Miami big
- The reigning No. 1 pick, Risacher, has bounced back from a slow start, and the odds reflect that reality
- Alex Sarr has plummeted down the board as the preseason favorite continues to deal with an ankle injury
NBA Rookie of the Year odds favorites 2025
Stephon Castle Rookie of the Year odds (-160)
We've been calling attention to Castle's value since he was trading at +2000 odds early in the year.
The Spurs remained in the thick of the NBA Play-In Tournament odds race in the West before the trade deadline, which is why they moved for De'Aaron Fox and sent Castle to the bench. But with Wembanyama sidelined for the season, San Antonio being all but out of contention without the big could lead to reduced minutes for Chris Paul and more for Castle.
Castle has consistently played 25-plus minutes per game. He's impressed with a high-scoring output during those outings, which has seen his odds shrink. If he continues to get minutes down the stretch, Castle's handle on the award could reflect on the oddsboards at our best sportsbooks.
His appearance for Candace's Rising Stars in the NBA All-Star Game and runner-up finish during the dunk contest made the Spurs rookie a household name. While it doesn't directly impact his odds through his play, a bit of notoriety never hurt an award candidate.
Best odds: -160 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 61.54%
My NBA Rookie of the Year contender to watch
Jaylen Wells Rookie of the Year odds (+700)
A late bloomer, Wells began his collegiate career at Division II Sonoma State before spending one season at Washington State and helping the Cougars reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over a decade. His lack of pedigree caused a slide in the draft, and it's paid off in a significant way for the Grizzlies.
The second-round pick leads all rookies in win shares and he's second in total points, and Wells looks poised to be in the ROY race down the stretch. Although a $10 bet here pays $70 in profit, Castle is in a better position right now, and Wells is competing with his teammate for the glory.
Best odds: +700 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 12.50%
How to bet on NBA Rookie of the Year
Betting on the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) is pretty straightforward. First, pick a reputable sportsbook that offers ROY futures. Check out the odds for different rookies; for instance, if Player A has +300 odds and Player B has +500, Player A is more likely to win. Place your bet by deciding how much you want to wager. If you bet $100 on Player A at +300 and they win, you’ll get $400 back ($100 stake + $300 profit). Keep an eye on the rookies’ performances throughout the season to see how your bet is shaping up.
Now, why do odds move in future markets? Well, it’s mostly about performance and perception. If a rookie starts playing really well or gets injured, their odds will change. A lot of people betting on the same player can also cause the odds to shift as sportsbooks try to manage their risk. Plus, expert predictions and analysis can influence how people bet, which in turn affects the odds. Understanding these factors can help you make smarter bets and maybe even catch some favorable odds shifts.
How to read NBA Rookie of the Year odds
Reading NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) odds is simple once you know the basics. Odds are typically presented in a format like +300 or -150. Positive odds (e.g., +300) indicate how much profit you'd make on a $100 bet. For instance, a $100 bet at +300 odds would win you $300, plus your initial $100 stake, totaling $400. Negative odds (e.g., -150) show how much you need to bet to win $100. So, a $150 bet at -150 odds would win you $100, plus your $150 stake, totaling $250.
Odds also reflect the probability of an outcome. Lower odds (e.g., +100) suggest a higher probability of the player winning, while higher odds (e.g., +1000) indicate a lower probability. Sportsbooks adjust these odds based on factors like player performance, injuries, and betting patterns.
For example, if Rookie A has +200 odds and Rookie B has +500 odds, Rookie A is considered more likely to win. If you bet $100 on Rookie A and they win, you'd get $300 back ($200 profit + $100 stake). Reading and understanding these odds helps you make informed betting decisions.
NBA Rookie of the Year opening odds
- Alex Sarr, Wizards: +350
- Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks: +450
- Stephon Castle, Spurs: +700
- Reed Sheppard, Rockets: +1200
- Donovan Clingan, Blazers: +1200
- Tidjane Salaun, Hornets: +1200
- Dalton Knecht, Lakers: +1200
- Cody Williams, Jazz: +1400
- Zach Edey, Grizzlies: +1400
- Ron Holland, Pistons: +!500
NBA Rookie of the Year odds history
| Year | Name | Team | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs | -145 |
| 2022-23 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | +200 |
| 2021-22 | Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors | +1100 |
| 2020-21 | LaMelo Ball | Charlotte Hornets | +400 |
| 2019-20 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies | +250 |
| 2018-19 | Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks | +250 |
| 2017-18 | Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers | +225 |
NBA Rookie of the Year FAQs
Who is the NBA Rookie of the Year favorite?
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle is the favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year. His odds of -160 imply a 61.54% probability that he will win the award, according to our odds calculator.
Who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award last year?
Victor Wembanyama won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2023-24 after averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks during his first season in the league. His odds closed as short as -10000.
When will the NBA Rookie of the Year be named?
We can expect the 2024-25 award to be decided at a similar time as last year, which was during the NBA playoffs on May 6.
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