NBA Rookie of the Year Odds 2025: Ware Pulls Ahead of Castle, Sarr
The top of the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year odds list is beginning to look like a who's who of role players. There's a new leader in the clubhouse now, with Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware occupying the favorite spot ... for now.
Ware is just the latest name among a laundry list of rookies to top the oddsboard so far this season. He takes over from Washington's Alexandre Sarr and San Antonio's Stephon Castle, who were the co-favorites to take home the coveted accolade during the last update.
Memphis' Zach Edey, Philadelphia's Jared McCain, and Atlanta's Zaccharie Risacher have also occupied the top spot. As such, Ware becomes the sixth rookie to be dubbed the favorite this season, according to the latest NBA Rookie of the Year odds.
NBA Rookie of the Year odds 2025
Live NBA Rookie of the Year odds from our best sports betting apps.
- Ware ascends the oddsboard as he's seen his minutes - and, as a result, his production - increase exponentially
- Sarr's odds continue to plummet as he's seemingly failed to check off his New Year's resolutions
- Jaylen Wells continues to see his odds shorten as the Memphis Grizzlies ascend the Western Conference standings
- We're hesitant to call any Rookie of the Year race this early, but it seems to be down to four: Ware, Castle, Wells, and Sarr
NBA Rookie of the Year odds favorites 2025
Kel'el Ware Rookie of the Year odds (+125)
Ware is the oddsmakers' latest flavor of the week. He's emerged as the betting favorite at our best NBA betting sites as he's slid into Erik Spoelstra's starting rotation with Jimmy Butler suspended indefinitely. Ware has rewarded his coach for his faith with an uptick in production, and if he stays in the starting five, he could climb rookie stat boards quickly.
As of now, though, Ware is still averaging single-digit points. Oddsmakers making Ware the favorite is more a sign of things to come - or at least an attempt to predict the future - as opposed to what has happened in recent months. A $10 winning wager on the Heat big man would profit $12.50 at FanDuel.
Best odds: +125 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 44.44%
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Stephon Castle Rookie of the Year odds (+430)
We've been calling attention to Castle's value since he was trading at +2000 odds early in the year. It's worth noting that the Spurs remain in the thick of a competitive West, but if they were to eventually slide into a lottery spot, Castle would be primed for additional minutes with the aging Chris Paul currently ahead of him on the depth chart.
Despite Castle's odds lengthening from +260 to +430, he is still in contention in the market as the second-favorite behind Ware. If the former continues to get 25 to 30 minutes per game, he's a threat to win the award at plus money with our best sportsbooks.
Best odds: +430 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 18.87%
How to bet on NBA Rookie of the Year
Betting on the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) is pretty straightforward. First, pick a reputable sportsbook that offers ROY futures. Check out the odds for different rookies; for instance, if Player A has +300 odds and Player B has +500, Player A is more likely to win. Place your bet by deciding how much you want to wager. If you bet $100 on Player A at +300 and they win, you’ll get $400 back ($100 stake + $300 profit). Keep an eye on the rookies’ performances throughout the season to see how your bet is shaping up.
Now, why do odds move in future markets? Well, it’s mostly about performance and perception. If a rookie starts playing really well or gets injured, their odds will change. A lot of people betting on the same player can also cause the odds to shift as sportsbooks try to manage their risk. Plus, expert predictions and analysis can influence how people bet, which in turn affects the odds. Understanding these factors can help you make smarter bets and maybe even catch some favorable odds shifts.
How to read NBA Rookie of the Year odds
Reading NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) odds is simple once you know the basics. Odds are typically presented in a format like +300 or -150. Positive odds (e.g., +300) indicate how much profit you'd make on a $100 bet. For instance, a $100 bet at +300 odds would win you $300, plus your initial $100 stake, totaling $400. Negative odds (e.g., -150) show how much you need to bet to win $100. So, a $150 bet at -150 odds would win you $100, plus your $150 stake, totaling $250.
Odds also reflect the probability of an outcome. Lower odds (e.g., +100) suggest a higher probability of the player winning, while higher odds (e.g., +1000) indicate a lower probability. Sportsbooks adjust these odds based on factors like player performance, injuries, and betting patterns.
For example, if Rookie A has +200 odds and Rookie B has +500 odds, Rookie A is considered more likely to win. If you bet $100 on Rookie A and they win, you'd get $300 back ($200 profit + $100 stake). Reading and understanding these odds helps you make informed betting decisions.
NBA Rookie of the Year opening odds
- Alex Sarr, Wizards: +350
- Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks: +450
- Stephon Castle, Spurs: +700
- Reed Sheppard, Rockets: +1200
- Donovan Clingan, Blazers: +1200
- Tidjane Salaun, Hornets: +1200
- Dalton Knecht, Lakers: +1200
- Cody Williams, Jazz: +1400
- Zach Edey, Grizzlies: +1400
- Ron Holland, Pistons: +!500
NBA Rookie of the Year odds history
| Year | Name | Team | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs | -145 |
| 2022-23 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | +200 |
| 2021-22 | Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors | +1100 |
| 2020-21 | LaMelo Ball | Charlotte Hornets | +400 |
| 2019-20 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies | +250 |
| 2018-19 | Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks | +250 |
| 2017-18 | Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers | +225 |
NBA Rookie of the Year FAQs
Who is the NBA Rookie of the Year favorite?
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware is the favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year. His best odds of +125 imply a 44.44% probability that he will win the award, according to our odds calculator.
Who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award last year?
Victor Wembanyama won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2023-24 after averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks during his first season in the league. His odds closed as short as -10000.
When will the NBA Rookie of the Year be named?
We can expect the 2024-25 award to be decided at a similar time as last year, which was during the NBA playoffs on May 6.
NBA betting odds pages
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We loved Castle's odds when he was still a long shot, mostly because he had a projected ceiling that he hadn't come close to meeting. There's still some upside for the Spurs guard with a $10 bet at FanDuel profting $21, but given how volatile this market has been already, it might be worth waiting to see if this price dips.
There's also an increased chance for Castle to produce if his 3-point jumper starts to fall. He's only at 26.8% from beyond the arc, and he is 1-for-9 since returning to his bench position.
It's also worth noting that the Spurs remain in the thick of a competitive Western Conference, but if they were to eventually slide into a lottery spot down the standings, Castle would be primed for additional minutes with the aging Chris Paul currently ahead of him on the depth chart.
Sure enough, the No. 4 pick has turned a corner since moving to the starting lineup for the Spurs. He averaged 14.6 points and 4.5 assists in 17 starts for San Antonio, and while he returned to a reserve role, he's still the favorite in this market with McCain out indefinitely.
We've been touting Castle's value in this market since he was dealing at +2000 odds early in the year, which felt like an overreaction given his draft pedigree and strong play for UConn last season.
Stephon Castle Rookie of the Year odds (+1200)
We loved Castle's odds when he was still a long shot, mostly because he had a projected ceiling that he hadn't come close to meeting. There's still some upside for the Spurs guard with a $10 bet at FanDuel profting $21, but given how volatile this market has been already, it might be worth waiting to see if this price dips.
There's also an increased chance for Castle to produce if his 3-point jumper starts to fall. He's only at 26.8% from beyond the arc, and he is 1-for-9 since returning to his bench position.
It's also worth noting that the Spurs remain in the thick of a competitive Western Conference, but if they were to eventually slide into a lottery spot down the standings, Castle would be primed for additional minutes with the aging Chris Paul currently ahead of him on the depth chart.
Sure enough, the No. 4 pick has turned a corner since moving to the starting lineup for the Spurs. He averaged 14.6 points and 4.5 assists in 17 starts for San Antonio, and while he returned to a reserve role, he's still the favorite in this market with McCain out indefinitely.
We've been touting Castle's value in this market since he was dealing at +2000 odds early in the year, which felt like an overreaction given his draft pedigree and strong play for UConn last season.
Stephon Castle Rookie of the Year odds (+1200)
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