NBA Futures Tracker, Wednesday 16th November
MVP
Ja Morant
There has been some movement in this market, with Jayson Tatum now on the third line of betting.
This season, he has been exceptional for Boston, and the money reflects the buzz.
But there is still plenty of value outside of Tatum and the usual contenders, and it is well worth keeping a watchful eye on Memphis star Ja Morant.
Morant’s value to the Grizzlies is as high as anyone’s value to their team, controlling the ball in tight finishes, running away in blowouts and often as the soul stand out in losses.
A small group of castmates in the Grizzlies line-up is helping Morant out, but he is clearly a star on the rise, which may well be reflected in the MVP voting.
SUGGESTED BET:
Ja Morant to win the MVP at $13
Sixth Man Of The Year
Collin Sexton
Not many would have predicted Russell Westbrook would ever be in line for this award, but he now sits as the favourite after falling out of favour in the Los Angeles Lakers starting five.
While Westbrook’s best is a class above the other contenders here, it’s hard to see how he or the Lakers could get awarded with any official recognition considering the season they are having.
What the voters reward is an exciting team, and there are few more exciting franchises at the moment than Utah. They have a new-look team this season which means reduced minutes for Collin Sexton. But when Sexton arrives on court, he has been doing so in style and has been a critical reason for the Jazz’s solid early start. He provides plenty of value at $19, which should reduce soon if his season keeps going as it is and he can stay healthy.
SUGGESTED BET:
Collin Sexton at $19
Rookie Of The Year
Bennedict Mathurin
Paolo Banchero is an unbackable favourite for this one. The $1.12 available for him is borderline ridiculous considering it is mid-November, and anything can happen.
With that in mind, I am looking elsewhere for insurance if Banchero has a setback. And the most enticing option is Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin, who may not have the attention. Still, it is slowly winning over critics and fans alike in his first season for the Pacers.
The next shortest odds after Banchero and Mathurin are at $51, indicating only one threat to the number one pick taking out this award. Get on Mathurin for this while things are the way they are, and it could also be worth a nibble at him for the sixth man of the year.
