2026 NBA Rookie of the Year Race
As the competition heats up for the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award, the odds are shifting dramatically. Initially, the top pick, Cooper Flagg, held a commanding position as the favorite with odds of -700, indicating an 87.5% chance of winning. However, recent performances have seen his odds drop to -165. His teammate from Duke, Kon Knueppel, has significantly narrowed the gap, showing impressive form and recently setting a new NBA record for the most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a single season, achieving this milestone in just 59 games.
Current Betting Odds
Current betting odds for the Rookie of the Year showcase this exciting rivalry:
- Cooper Flagg: -165
- Kon Knueppel: +130
- V.J. Edgecombe: +8000
- Derik Queen: +50000
- Cedric Coward: +50000
These figures come from bet365, a leading betting platform. To enhance your betting experience, check out various promotional offers available there.
Betting Trends
In the latest betting trends, the following details have emerged based on ticket and handling percentages:
- V.J. Edgecombe leads with 21.5% of the ticket count and 25.0% of the total handle, closely followed by Kon Knueppel at 17.8% of tickets and 23.6% of handle.
- Flagg retains a smaller share with 11.0% of tickets and 20.0% of handle, indicating a lot of bets are coming in for the other contenders.
Historical Context
The historical context of NBA Rookie of the Year winners reveals that the top draft pick has been recognized four times over the last decade. However, success for big men (power forwards/centers) in this category has dwindled, yielding only four winners from that position in the past twenty years. Notably, the last winner not drafted in the lottery was Malcolm Brogdon, who was selected 36th overall in 2016. In contrast, 16 of the past 20 winners were chosen in the top five picks.
Additional Betting Opportunities
Bet365 also offers an enticing feature for NBA moneyline bettors, providing early payouts for any bets that guarantee victory once a team leads by 20 or more points. To learn more about their offerings, you can read through the detailed bet365 review available online.
In addition to the Rookie of the Year race, the NBA futures market includes a variety of bets, from championship odds to MVP candidates. As the season progresses, keep an eye on these dynamic betting opportunities to maximize your potential returns as favorites and underdogs vie for postseason recognition.
