Scottie Barnes has enjoyed a spectacular NBA debut with the Toronto Raptors. Selected fourth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Barnes has played a huge role on a Raptors squad struggling to return to playoff contention, and currently leads the way among rookies in a number of statistical categories. Despite that impressive start, Barnes continues to lag behind the favourites on the odds at Bodog to claim NBA Rookie of the Year honors, where he is pegged as a 4.00 wager.
CanadianBettingSites takes a look at all the best bets ahead as the NBA gets set to briefly pause for the Christmas holidays. Sports bettors looking to get in on NBA action for the first time can check out our free betting guides and tools to learn all they need to know about NBA betting in Canada.
| NBA Rookie of the Year Odds |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Evan Mobley | 2.12 | 2.40 |
| Cade Cunningham | 3.40 | 3.50 |
| Scottie Barnes | 3.90 | 4.00 |
| Jalen Green | 28.00 | 21.00 |
| Josh Giddey | 30.00 | 29.00 |
| Franz Wagner | 35.00 | 41.00 |
| Chris Duarte | 45.00 | 41.00 |
| Alperen Sengun | 90.00 | 67.00 |
| Davion Mitchell | 110.00 | 71.00 |
| Jalen Suggs | 130.00 | 101.00 |
| Nah Shon Hyland | 160.00 | 101.00 |
| Ayo Dosonmu | 160.00 | 201.00 |
| Tre Mann | 220.00 | 251.00 |
The Case for Barnes
From the moment that Scottie Barnes hit the hardwood on opening night, Toronto Raptors knew they had a special player joining the ranks. Sporting an ear-to-ear grin as he marched on the floor during playing introductions, Barnes followed up with a stellar career-opening performance, scoring 12 points and adding nine rebounds in Toronto’s 98-83 loss to the Washington Wizards.
Who’s your NBA Rookie of the Year so far???
➖ Scottie Barnes: 15.6 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1 STL 1 / 1 BLK
➖ Evan Mobley: 13.8 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 2.5 APG / 1.8 BLKS / 1 STL pic.twitter.com/xPkyzDRYKQ— Whistle (@WhistleSports) December 20, 2021
Barnes subsequently solidified his position among the Raptors starting lineup by topping 20 points on three occasions and recording a pair of double-doubles over his first seven contests. And while there have been hiccups along the way as the 20-year-old adjusts to life in the NBA, on a team just two years removed from a championship win, he has managed to maintain a steady pace.
Scottie Barnes against the Nets:
◽️ 23 PTS
◽️ 3/5 3-PT FG
◽️ 12 REB
◽️ 5 ASTHe has scored 10+ points in 11 consecutive games, the longest streak by a rookie this season. pic.twitter.com/TF3IKEB60y
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 15, 2021
Through his first 27 appearances, Barnes has emerged as the leader among NBA rookies with 15.6 points per and 8.3 rebounds per game, and also ranks fifth in assists with 3.4 per game. The product of Florida State University is also tops among rookies in playing time, averaging 36.0 minutes per game. However, none of these accomplishments have enabled Barnes to yet overtake the frontrunners on the NBA Rookie of the Year odds, Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham.
Mobley, Cunningham Making their Mark
Selected one spot ahead of Barnes at No. 3 in the 2021 NBA Draft, Evan Mobley has played a key role in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ resurgence this season. Mobley has been rewarded for his steady play by being anointed as the Rookie of the Year favourite at Bet99, where he sports short 2.12 odds.
Getting Evan Mobley the ball in the middle of the floor is always a good idea & the Cavs did that a lot last night
He’s a long, smart, athletic triple-threat
The results were scattered with unlucky misses, but the process is great. Both for CLE’s offense & Mobley’s development pic.twitter.com/a9YyFw19XQ
— Brayden Todd (@BraydenBallin) December 14, 2021
The 20-year-old out of USC sits fifth in rookie scoring with 13.8 points per game, but sits alongside Barnes with 8.3 rebounds. Mobley was particularly dominant in November, earning NBA Rookie of the Month honours while compiling 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and has maintained that pace in December while recording three double-doubles.
Cade Cunningham over his last 8 games:
22.0 PPG
5.8 RPG
4.9 APG
1.8 SPG
1.0 BPG
47% FG
47% 3PT
80% FT pic.twitter.com/VEj0ZsSIAF— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 19, 2021
The top selection in this year’s Draft, Cade Cunningham has been saddled with the mammoth task of powering the attack for an abysmal Detroit Pistons squad that currently sits at the bottom of the league standings. Pegged as the betting favourites on the season-opening Rookie of the Year best bets, Cunningham current sits second on the ROY odds as a 3.40 bet. However, he is well positioned to make gains after averaging 19.3 points over his first eight December outings.
Bodog
The Toronto Raptors forward leads all NBA rookies in points and rebounds per game, and minutes played, but still offers exceptional value on the NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
4.00
Green, Suggs Falling off the Pace
Two rookies who opened the season amid high expectations have work to do to retention to contention for top rookie honours. Jalen Green was taken amid great fanfare by the Houston Rockets with the second overall pick, and opened the season as Cunningham’s closest rival on the ROY odds. However, injuries have limited Green to just 18 appearances so far this season. And while he has produced a very respectable 14.0 points per game, his absence has sent him tumbling to a distant 28.00 bet at Bet99.
At the end of Jalen Green’s workout this morning … pic.twitter.com/DhyPYjX6jB
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 20, 2021
Things have gone no better for Jalen Suggs. The No. 5 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the former Gonzaga star made his NBA debut with the Orlando Magic sporting odds as short as 5.73. However, like Green, Suggs has seen his debut interrupted by an injury that has sidelined him since last month, and sent his Rookie of the Year odds tumbling to a distant 130.00
Best Bet: Scottie Barnes (4.00) at Bodog
Betway100% Deposit Bonus up to $200Bet NowNew Canada customers only. Opt-in required. Bonus based on 1st deposit of $10+. You will get a 100% matched bonus up to $200 based on your first deposit. Full terms apply.- Sports Interaction100% Bonus up to C$500Bet NowNew customers only. Min $20 deposit. Max $500 CAD bonus. Rollover is 5x deposit + bonus.
- Bet99100% Deposit Bonus up to $600Bet NowMinimum deposit of $20
- Bodog100% up to $400 + 50 Free Spins Welcome BonusBet NowThis bonus can only be redeemed on your FIRST DEPOSIT. Rollover is 5X Sports | 5X Horses | 40X Casino.
