The latest batches of Toronto Raptors odds haven’t always been kind to the NBA’s lone Canadian team, as they are skeptical of Toronto’s ability to both win games consistently and bring home individual accolades. While taking home some awards might be tough this season, Scottie Barnes might have a shot at Rookie of the Year.
While his selection over Jalen Suggs was puzzling at first, Barnes has quickly become a fan favorite due to his gregarious personality and potential to become a two-way star. Las Vegas seemed like his potential originally, as Barnes opened at +550 to take home the award.
However, per the latest odds at WynnBet, Barnes’ chances at winning Rookie of the Year more than doubled in the wrong direction, as his +550 (bet $100 to win $550) shot at taking home the highest individual honor for a rookie are now at +1200 (bet $100 to win $1200).
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green have the best odds at +250 and +275, while Suggs and Evan Mobley are right behind them at +700 and +800.
Houston Rockets center and No. 16 pick Alperen Sengun has risen from +2500 initially to the same +1200 mark. And he’s not even guaranteed to start! What is going on here?
Toronto, I can't wait to play for y'all!!! @PlayersTribune https://t.co/M9bZAd0jDT
— Scott Barnes (@ScottBarnes561) September 17, 2021
Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes’ ROY odds are slipping.
While Sengun averaged a double-double in Summer League play, Barnes amassed an average of 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game while coming in with a very impressive 93.7 defensive rating. Yes, it’s Summer League, but Barnes put the clamps on plenty of challengers.
Assuming that Nick Nurse can help Barnes become a more willing and efficient jump-shooter, Barnes will be the first guy off of the bench for a Raptors team that should take a huge step forward on the offensive side of the ball. That defined role should give him the edge over Sengun and Kings guard Davion Mitchell (+1750).
Make your pick now on WynnBet.
Not only is Sengun playing alongside a ROY frontrunner in Green and a standout young guard in Kevin Porter Jr., but there is a chance he doesn’t even start given the presence of Christian Wood and the signing of Daniel Theis.
The infrastructure around Barnes, a superior prospect, is better, yet despite the fact that only four Summer League games have been played between the draft and today, Barnes has taken a step backward in the eyes of Las Vegas.
Sengun is going to be a fine player with Houston, as he was one of the first round’s best picks at No. 16, but Barnes’ situation is more conducive to taking home ROY honors. Vegas might need to patch these odds, as penalizing a No. 4 overall pick before the preseason even begins is a weird strategy.