The 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year odds feature a competitive race between several (former) college basketball stars. Cam Boozer leads the betting market, but Caleb Wilson, Darryn Peterson, and AJ Dybantsa aren’t far behind.
In this guide, I’ll break down the latest NBA ROTY betting odds, examine the leading favorites, and highlight two sleepers worth watching. I’ll also share my Rookie of the Year prediction after going through all potential winners.
NBA Rookie of the Year 2026-27 Winner Odds
Check out the latest NBA ROTY odds for the 2026-27 season in the table below.
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Cam Boozer (MEM) | +300 |
| Caleb Wilson (CHI) | +325 |
| Darryn Peterson (UTA) | +350 |
| AJ Dybantsa (WAS) | +400 |
| Darius Acuff (SAC) | +1000 |
| Yaxel Lendeborg (GSW) | +1200 |
| Mikel Brown Jr. (BKN) | +2800 |
| Keaton Wagler (LAC) | +4000 |
Cam Boozer (+300) enters the season as the betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year. The odds give the Memphis forward an implied winning probability of 25%.
However, Boozer faces plenty of competition. Chicago’s Caleb Wilson (+325) is close behind, while Utah’s Darryn Peterson (+350) and Washington’s AJ Dybantsa (+400) round out the top four.
Unlike some recent seasons, there isn’t an overwhelming favorite. The four leading contenders are very close to each other, suggesting this could be one of the more competitive Rookie of the Year races.
Darius Acuff (+1000) and Yaxel Lendeborg (+1200) are the next closest contenders. Meanwhile, Mikel Brown Jr. (+2800) and Keaton Wagler (+4000) offer much bigger potential payouts.
Check out the most recent NBA Rookie of the Year odds at Bovada by heading to Sports > Basketball > NBA Awards > Rookie of the Year.
NBA Rookie of the Year Betting Favorites for 2026-27
Let’s take a closer look at the four leading favorites in the current NBA Rookie of the Year odds.
Cam Boozer (+300)
Cam Boozer enters his rookie season with enormous expectations after establishing himself as one of college basketball’s most complete players at Duke, where he won National College Player of the Year.
The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cam has the size, basketball IQ, and offensive skills to make an immediate impact. He can score around the basket, rebound on both ends, and he’s a good passer. Boozer can also shoot from the perimeter and he plays with physicality.
Cameron Boozer: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 4/7 FG, 2/3 3FG, 6/7 FT, 79 TS% vs Magic
Another great showing for the Grizzlies rookie 🔥 https://t.co/EsvJft1BXJ
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) October 8, 2026
Unlike many young forwards, Boozer doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective. He can score inside, stretch the floor, and create opportunities for teammates. That versatility should help him adjust to the NBA.
Memphis also offers an interesting opportunity. Boozer has the tools to become a productive frontcourt player right away. Memphis also traded Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson. This is Boozer’s team from Day One.
His biggest challenge could be standing out against rookies who are more explosive athletically.
Still, Boozer’s all-around game makes him my favorite to win the award. At +300, he’s a strong contender in a wide-open race.
Caleb Wilson (+325)
Caleb Wilson is right behind Boozer in the NBA Rookie of the Year odds at +325. Those odds give the Chicago Bulls forward an implied winning probability of 23.53%.
Wilson built his reputation as an explosive athlete who can make an impact on both ends of the court. Out of the top four, he’s the most likely to be a constant highlight on Twitter and YouTube.
Caleb Wilson put his skillset on display in tonight’s preseason action!
17 PTS (6-10 FGM)
4 REB
5 AST https://t.co/jgEuyDoEzd— NBA (@NBA) October 12, 2026
His combination of size, speed, and defensive versatility makes him an exciting prospect. He’s especially dangerous in transition, where he can finish above the rim and turn defensive stops into easy points.
The former North Carolina Tar Heel is a strong rebounder who is versatile defensively, while being an explosive finisher with shot-blocking ability.
The biggest question is whether his offensive game will develop quickly enough to challenge Boozer.
While Wilson can create highlight-reel plays, improving his outside shooting and half-court scoring will be important.
The Bulls could give him plenty of opportunities to develop, particularly if they prioritize their younger players.
If Wilson becomes a reliable scorer while maintaining his defensive impact, he could easily outperform his +325 odds.
Darryn Peterson (+350)
Darryn Peterson is right in the mix with NBA Rookie of the Year odds of +350. The Utah Jazz guard enters the NBA with a reputation as one of the most talented scorers in his draft class.
Peterson’s offensive skill set could make him an immediate Rookie of the Year contender.
Darryn Peterson scored from all 3 levels in Q3 🔥
He’s up to 14 PTS in preseason action! https://t.co/hCl7hvK8sW
— NBA (@NBA) October 13, 2026
He can create his own shot, attack defenders off the dribble, and score from multiple areas of the court. His ability to make difficult jumpers is particularly impressive for a young guard.
Peterson’s biggest strengths include three-level scoring, ball-handling, shot creation, and shooting off the dribble.
Utah could be an excellent landing spot for Peterson. The Jazz have been focused on developing young talent, which could give him opportunities to play significant minutes. I would like to see how he plays with Keyonte George, who is coming off the best season of his career. Jaren Jackson Jr. is also looking to get his career back on track after being traded from Memphis.
Peterson will need to become an efficient scorer while adjusting to NBA defenses. If he can consistently produce strong offensive numbers, Peterson could become the biggest threat to Boozer.
At +350, he’s an appealing option for NBA ROY bettors who believe scoring will decide the award, if Peterson gets enough looks.
AJ Dybantsa (+400)
AJ Dybantsa enters the 2026-27 NBA season as one of the most exciting young players in basketball and the #1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Washington Wizards forward is firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation with NBA ROY betting odds of +400.
Dybantsa built his reputation as an explosive scorer with the size and athleticism to compete against NBA defenders.
Still not over these back-to-back dunks from AJ Dybantsa 😲
The #1 overall pick followed up a one-hand putback jam with a steal and another big-time slam in transition during last night’s preseason action! https://t.co/WFPb0DTeKI
— NBA (@NBA) October 13, 2026
Standing around 6-foot-9, he combines impressive physical tools with the ability to create his own offense. He’s especially dangerous when attacking the basket, where his quick first step and finishing ability make him difficult to stop. The BYU product has explosive scoring ability with athleticism and finishing, he can create shots off the dribble, and is also a versatile defender.
Washington could provide an excellent opportunity for Dybantsa to make an immediate impact. However, Trae Young and Anthony Davis will cut into his shots. Young is one of the league’s best passers, but he also loves to get his shots up. For Davis, it all depends on how healthy he will be.
Dybantsa also has to improve his shot selection as he adjusts to NBA competition. He won’t have the green light he had at BYU, where he led the nation in scoring.
At +400, Dybantsa offers an appealing combination of upside and potential playing time in the Rookie of the Year race. However, playing with AD and Trae Young is likely going to hurt his chances in the ROTY race.
Best NBA Rookie of the Year Sleepers in 2026-27
The top four players dominate the current NBA Rookie of the Year betting odds, but there are several intriguing alternatives.
My two favorite sleepers are Sacramento’s Darius Acuff and Brooklyn’s Mikel Brown Jr., a pair of young guards who could jump into the top tier.
2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year Prediction and Betting Pick
Cam Boozer is my NBA Rookie of the Year betting pick for 2026-27, for one major reason. I’m taking him over Caleb Wilson, Darryn Peterson, and AJ Dybantsa simply because the Grizzlies will likely start building around Boozer and his all-around game from day one.
Wilson won’t have much competition in Chicago, but I think Boozer’s Grizzlies will be a better team, and that has to count for something. Peterson and Dybantsa have veterans in front of them, especially Dybantsa. They’ll have some work to do to get their shots.
Also, the Memphis forward can contribute through rebounding, passing, defense, and efficient offense. That versatility gives him several ways to make an impact, even when his shot isn’t falling.
Peterson could challenge him with superior scoring numbers, while Wilson’s athleticism and defense make him another serious threat. The same goes for Dybantsa.
Nevertheless, I’m backing Boozer’s complete skill set to separate him from the competition, and the odds of +300 are more than enough to make up for the risks.
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