2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds Breakdown
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Memphis big man Zach Edey is the favorite in the early season NBA Rookie of the Year odds. Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick in this year’s draft, and Carlton Carrington also have favorable odds.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the top contenders in the current 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year odds at top basketball betting sites. I will highlight the odds for the top rookies this year and give my predictions for this season’s Rookie of the Year.
2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds Breakdown
Here are the current NBA rookie betting odds, courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook.
| Rookie | 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds | Team |
| Zach Edey | +300 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Zaccharie Risacher | +400 | Atlanta Hawks |
| Carlton Carrington | +500 | Washington Wizards |
| Alexandre Sarr | +600 | Washington Wizards |
| Dalton Knecht | +700 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Stephon Castle | +1500 | San Antonio Spurs |
| Jamal Shead | +1800 | Toronto Raptors |
| Ryan Dunn | +1800 | Phoenix Suns |
| Yves Missi | +2000 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Kyle Filipowski | +2500 | Utah Jazz |
| Jaylen Wells | +3000 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Reed Sheppard | +3000 | Houston Rockets |
| Kyshawn George | +4000 | Washinton Wizards |
| Cody Williams | +5000 | Utah Jazz |
| Donovan Clingan | +5000 | Portland Trailblazers |
San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama won Rookie of the Year last season, and another big man is favored to win it again this year. Zach Edey (7’4”) is the betting favorite for Rookie of the Year at +300.
Edey is closely followed by Zaccharie Risacher (+400) and two Wizard rookies, Carlton Carrington (+500) and Alexandre Sarr (+600). The Lakers’ Dalton Knecht rounds out the top five at +700 odds.
Why Zach Edey is the Favorite
Zach Edey and Purdue fell one game short of winning the National Championship earlier this year. After losing in the title game, Edey was drafted by Memphis with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The 7’4” Edey immediately brought size to the Grizzlies’ starting lineup. He has started all nine games for Memphis and is averaging 19.1 minutes per game so far this year. Edey is also averaging 10.8 points and 6.6 total rebounds per game.
Although he has had limited scoring opportunities, Edey has been efficient when he does get shots. His 25-point performance against Brooklyn came on 11/12 shooting, and Edey secured a career-high 12 total rebounds. If Edey continues to play efficiently and provide valuable minutes for the Grizzlies, he will remain a contender for Rookie of the Year.
Edey also has a unique advantage over many other contenders: he plays with a superstar named Ja Morant. Assuming his health and legal issues do not reemerge, Morant will help Edey maximize his potential this season.
How Much Will Zaccharie Risacher Contribute in Year One?
Atlanta won the first overall pick in the Draft Lottery, and the Hawks used their selection on Zaccharie Risacher. The Spanish rookie could be an important piece for the Hawks this season as they try to become a playoff contender.
Risacher played in all nine games to start the season but was only in the starting lineup for seven of them. The rookie is averaging 26.9 minutes per game and is contributing 12.0 PPG. His best game came against the Knicks when Risacher scored 33 points, including six three-pointers, and collected seven rebounds.
It is early in the season, but Risacher has already shown signs of improvement as his playing time has increased. Atlanta needs Risacher to improve to overcome their slow start and compete for a playoff start. Being one of the driving forces behind a playoff appearance would also add to Risacher’s Rookie of the Year Campaign.
Like Edey, Risacher also has the luxury of playing alongside a young star. Trae Young is the face of the Hawks franchise and will take most of the pressure off of Risacher this season.
Can Dalton Knecht Make a Surprise Run?
Not every Rookie of the Year contender this season was a lottery pick. The Lakers’ Dalton Knecht is currently available at +700, ranking fifth in the early season NBA Rookie of the Year odds. LA has been desperate for shooters for years, and Knecht could be the answer to the Lakers’ shooting woes.
Knecht started just one of the Lakers’ first eight games this season. Despite not being in the starting lineup most nights, Knecht has averaged 12.3 MPG and is 6-6 on free throws this season. He has also scored in all but one of his appearances this year.
It has been a slow start for Knecht, who is averaging just 6.8 PPG so far. However, his scoring will go up if Knecht can increase his playing time and scoring opportunities. In his last year in college, Knecht averaged 21.7 PPG while playing 30.6 MPG for Tennessee.
Unlike the Hawks and the Grizzlies, the Lakers have been consistent playoff participants. However, playing with stars like Lebron James and Anthony Davis could work against Knecht. Lebron’s son Bronny is also a rookie on the Lakers this season, which could make it challenging for Knecht to earn the media’s attention.
More Rookie of the Year Sleepers to Watch
Less than a month into the season, there are dozens of exciting sleepers in the current 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year odds. Here are three dark horses to keep an eye on in this season’s RotY race.
Stephon Castle (+1500)
San Antonio used the first overall pick last season to draft its new franchise player, Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs had the fourth pick in 2024 and picked Connecticut guard Stephon Castle to pair with Wemby. Castle averaged 27,0 MPG, 2.9 APG, and 11.1 PPG in UConn’s championship season last year.
If Castle can develop into a passer, he can help Wemby dominate the NBA for years to come. Castle has the chance to learn from Chris Paul, one of the best passers in the modern NBA. CP3 could cut into Castle’s playing time, but the 39-year-old is also due to miss time.
Castle’s defense should also help him carve out a role for the Spurs this season. Drafting back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners is easier said than done, but the Spurs are already halfway there. His opportunities will be limited, but Castle can become a true Rookie of the Year contender by taking advantage of them.
Donovan Clingan (+5000)
Another UConn star picked in the top 10 this summer is Donovan Clingan, who was drafted seventh overall by the Trailblazers. Clingan’s minutes have been limited this season, averaging just 13.3 MPG, and he has yet to start a game.
The good news for Clingan is that Portland still has over 70 games to game this season. So, he should have plenty of chances to earn more playing time as the NBA season progresses. Clingan is a longshot at +5000 odds to win Rookie of the Year, but he could make a run at the award if Clingan can work his way into the starting lineup.
Bronny James (+100000)
Bronny James being drafted by the Lakers was the most predictable pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. LA made sure to get LeBron and Bronny on the court together early this season. Now that the historic moment is out of the way, Bronny’s actual role with the Lakers this season is up in the air.
Secure sports betting sites list Bronny at +100000 to win Rookie of the Year this season. Bronny is a long shot to even have significant playing time this year. On the other hand, even a small stake at 1000-1 odds can create a huge payout.
Best Bets and Value in 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Odds
There are dozens of rookies each year in the NBA, but only one can be crowned the Rookie of the Year. Here are my picks for Rookie of the Year in 2024-2025.
- Prediction: Zach Edey (+300)
- Sleeper pick: Stephon Castle (+1500)
Edey is the favorite, but he still offers plenty of value early in the season at 3-1 odds. Memphis should be a playoff team, so Edey will have a chance to shine in big games as the season progresses.
Whose NBA Rookie of the Year Odds Will You Bet On?
Zach Edey (+300) is the betting favorite in the current NBA Rookie of the Year odds. The Grizzlies rookie has an excellent opportunity to shine in Memphis, and I think Edey will win the award this season. Stephon Castle (+1500) is also a great pick for anyone who wants to bet on a Rookie of the Year sleeper.
Read the guide above to see the latest 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year odds for all the top contenders. Then, create your Bovada Sportsbook account to bet on your favorite rookie today. New members can use the code BV1000 to add up to $1,000 to your NBA futures bankroll.
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