Raptors’ Scottie Barnes ROY odds could be a solid bet to take

The Toronto Raptors have one of the league’s best rookies in Scottie Barnes, as he has helped this team defy many of their preseason doubters from the moment he stepped on the floor. While he’s been a firm contender for Rookie of the Year all season long, Cleveland Cavaliers standout Evan Mobley has tons of momentum going for him.

In tandem with Mobley immediately becoming one of the best two-way bigs in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland’s meteoric rise to the top of the conference has helped Mobley leapfrog Barnes in many rookie rankings. Names like Josh Giddey and Cade Cunningham are also putting heat on Scottie.

Even with Barnes losing some shots and points thanks to a fully healthy Raptors lineup carving off some of his offensive responsibility, he is within striking distance of some silverware this season. The current line on Barnes’ ROY odds might be very enticing for Raptors and non-Raptors fans alike.

The latest odds from WynnBET have Barnes at +900 to win Rookie of the Year, which puts him in a tie with Cunningham for the second-best odds. Mobley has the best shot at -500. A $100 bet could net $900 if Barnes breaks out of his minor cold snap on offense and plays a major role in Toronto’s playoff push.

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Scottie Barnes may bring the Toronto Raptors another Rookie of the Year.

Barnes is averaging 14.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. With one steal and just under one block per game, Barnes is starting to come into his own as a defender. His ability to finish inside and occasionally snipe from deep has been an important asset for Toronto this year.

Barnes has seen his scoring production drop with names like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby back in the starting lineup, as he is often relegated to the role of fifth offensive option. Even in that role, he’s producing at an above-average clip for a Raptors team that is just one-half game out from the No. 6 seed in the conference.

The Raptors have already had two separate players win Rookie of the Year in their brief history, as Damon Stoudamire and Vince Carter balled out during their inaugural seasons. Barnes has a legitimate chance to become No. 3 if a few lucky breaks go Toronto’s way.

Toronto will need one of two things to happen. Either Barnes must start putting up scoring numbers that rival what he amassed without Pascal Siakam in the lineup or Mobley’s Cavs must struggle to pick up wins. If one of those two boxes gets checked, Barnes may take home a trophy to cap off his fantastic rookie season.