2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Award Odds and Predictions

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As the NBA regular season winds to a close, the race for the Rookie of the Year award has intensified.

Several first-year players have impressed with standout performances. While this class is unlikely to produce many superstars, a few of them have affected the NBA Championship picture.

With the NBA Play-In Tournament right around the corner, these rookies are fighting to cement their status—and maybe steal a few more headlines before the season’s end. If you’re planning to get in on the action, check out the latest NBA picks from our expert panel.

NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

The latest odds for the NBA Rookie of the Year, provided by top sports betting sites, are as follows:​

Stephon Castle has emerged as the clear frontrunner, with his odds improving dramatically from +400 before the season to -1400 as of mid-April. This shift reflects his consistent performance and pivotal role in the San Antonio Spurs’ lineup.

Conversely, other contenders like Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher have seen their odds lengthen over the course of the campaign.

For those looking to delve deeper into betting strategies, consulting insights from the best handicappers can provide valuable perspectives. Additionally, keeping an eye on the latest NBA odds is essential for making informed decisions.​

NBA Rookie of the Year Contenders

Let’s delve into the profiles of the leading candidates for the NBA Rookie of the Year award:

Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)

Stephon Castle is making it increasingly difficult to argue against him as the rightful frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year—and frankly, he knows it. In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Castle stated, “I feel like, at this point, I pretty much got it locked up.”

That kind of self-assuredness could be dismissed as bravado if it weren’t backed by a stellar stretch of performances.

With Victor Wembanyama sidelined in recent weeks, and the Spurs unable to compete for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, Castle has taken full control of the reins in San Antonio, averaging 17.6 points and 4.7 assists per game in that span. He’s not simply putting up numbers—he’s dictating the flow of games, showing leadership well beyond his years, and anchoring both ends of the court. That leap in production has aligned perfectly with Castle’s rising odds, which have shifted from +400 at the season’s start to an overwhelming -1400 favorite this month.

What makes Castle particularly compelling as a bet is that the award is often as much about narrative as it is about stats—and he checks both boxes. He’s been a steady presence all season, earned a Western Conference Rookie of the Month nod, and delivered highlight-reel moments like his 33-point performance against Charlotte. In short, he’s built a résumé that voters will find hard to ignore.

From a betting perspective, Castle may no longer be a longshot value play, but he represents something just as important: stability. In a field where other rookies have either cooled off or been derailed by injuries, Castle has only gained steam. While the payout may be smaller, the probability of cashing that ticket has never looked stronger.

Alexandre Sarr (Washington Wizards)

Alex Sarr was the No. 2 pick in the draft last year. While he struggled early on, he’s really come into his own as the season’s progressed. For the season, the France native is averaging 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. In March, he really upped his production, contributing north of 16 points per game while logging around 28 minutes a night.

Unlike some other rookies who had to fight for minutes or wait for a chance, Sarr was given the keys to the Wizards’ frontcourt from the jump. That early trust has paid dividends. He’s improved steadily throughout the year, flashing defensive versatility, rim protection, and an increasingly confident offensive game. In a season where consistency has been rare among rookies, Sarr’s development arc stands out.

As a bet, Sarr offers some intriguing upside. He’s not the favorite, but he’s not an afterthought either. His current odds reflect the longshot nature of his candidacy, but if Castle were to slow down or stumble, Sarr has the tools and narrative to make a late push. For bettors looking to balance risk and potential reward, he’s a name worth considering—especially if you believe he’s just getting started.

Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)

Zaccharie Risacher is making a real push in the Rookie of the Year race, and it’s time more people started paying attention. Over the last couple of months, he’s taken a major leap—earning back-to-back Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors for February and March. In March alone, he averaged over 16 points per game while shooting better than 50% from the field, a clear sign that he’s growing more confident and efficient as the season goes on.

What’s especially impressive about Risacher is how much he’s meant to a Hawks team that’s still in the playoff hunt. He’s not just putting up numbers on a bottom-feeder—he’s playing meaningful minutes in high-leverage situations. His three-point shot has become more consistent, his finishing at the rim is improving, and he’s becoming a true offensive weapon for Atlanta down the stretch.

Defensively, he’s holding his own, too. While the numbers might not always tell the full story, Risacher has shown the ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on that end of the floor. He’s not just a scorer—he’s making an impact on both sides of the ball, which is something you can’t say about every rookie.

If you’re looking for a Rookie of the Year bet with real upside, Risacher deserves a long look. He’s not the obvious choice, but sometimes the best value comes from the guy who’s quietly doing everything right while the spotlight’s pointed elsewhere.

Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)

Jaylen Wells, selected 39th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, has exceeded expectations with his impactful performance for the Memphis Grizzlies. Averaging 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, Wells has provided valuable depth to the Grizzlies’ roster.

Unfortunately, a recent injury—a broken right wrist sustained during a game against the Charlotte Hornets—has sidelined him for the remainder of the season. I expected Wells to generate a little Rookie of the Year buzz regardless of the injury given the weak class, but I don’t think he’s a real threat to Castle at the top.

NBA Rookie of the Year Predictions

Given the performances and trajectories of the rookies this season, Stephon Castle stands out as the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.

His consistent contributions, leadership qualities, and the significant role he plays for the Spurs position him ahead of his peers. While other rookies have had decent seasons, Castle’s consistent impact and overall numbers will give him the edge over the rest of the field.

There’s really no value here at Castle’s current -1400 odds, but he is the most likely player to take home the hardware.

Bet: Stephon Castle (-1400)

NBA Rookie of the Year Winners

The following is a list of the most recent NBA Rookie of the Year winners: