NBA Sixth Man of the Year 2026-27 Betting Preview: Odds, Favorites, Predictions

Ajay Mitchell (+550)

Ajay Mitchell is the early favorite because he offers a good mix of scoring, playmaking, and potential team success. Oklahoma City gives him a chance to build his award case in games that should receive plenty of attention.

I like how Mitchell can create offense without needing every possession to run through him. He can attack the paint, finish around the basket, and find teammates when defenders close in. That makes him useful alongside the starters as well as in a group of reserves.

Ajay Mitchell 28 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL, 12/19 FG, 3/3 FT, 68.9% TS vs Lakers https://t.co/4ivGDTisqD

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) May 12, 2026

The key question is whether he gets enough shots. Oklahoma City has several players who can handle the ball, so Mitchell needs a consistent role to produce the numbers that attract voters.

Strong efficiency helps, but a limited scoring average could leave the door open for a candidate that delivers more points. Still, Mitchell did jump from 6.5 points in his rookie year to 13.6 points in his second season. It also helps Mitchell’s case that the Thunder traded Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe away in the offseason.

At +550, Mitchell is certainly a good option. My case rests on him becoming an important bench creator while the Thunder stay near the top of the standings. That combination makes him the player I would back first.

Dylan Harper (+650)

Dylan Harper has the talent to win this award, but his role makes him a tougher bet than the NBA 6th Man of the Year odds suggest. San Antonio could give him a major offensive job, yet a move into the starting lineup would complicate his Sixth Man case.

That possibility is real. In a recent GQ interview, Harper discussed wanting to start, while coach Mitch Johnson stopped short of settling the lineup. Harper’s place in the rotation deserves close attention before backing him at +650.

It also wouldn’t be a shock if the Spurs traded De’Aaron Fox at some point during the season, which would clear Harper’s path to the starting lineup.

Dylan Harper in the first half

16 PTS (18 mins)
3 REB
4 AST
1 STL
3/5 3PT
5/7 FG https://t.co/5tGrOdYMW2

— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) October 9, 2026

From a basketball standpoint, I like his ability to get into the lane and create chances for others. His size helps him handle contact, and he can put pressure on a defense without relying only on outside shooting. If he leads the second unit, those skills could support a strong mix of points and assists.

Playing with Victor Wembanyama also offers an appealing fit. Harper can attack while defenders focus on the big man, or use a screen to force the defense into a difficult choice. I would expect that partnership to create chances for both players.

Still, this bet depends on more than improvement. Harper needs enough minutes to produce while remaining a reserve in most appearances. I would rather wait for a clearer picture of San Antonio’s plans than take +650 now. He belongs among the favorites, but his starting potential adds too much risk.

Anfernee Simons (+1200)

Anfernee Simons is my favorite scoring option outside the top two. The Philadelphia guard has the shooting range and shot creation to turn a quiet bench stretch into a quick scoring run.

His appeal is easy to understand. Simons can pull up from three, work around a screen, and create a shot late in the clock. If Philadelphia uses him to lead the offense when its main scorers rest, he could get the chances needed to build an award case.

The concern is how many of those chances he receives. He needs steady minutes and permission to attack. A smaller role built mainly around waiting for open shots would lower his ceiling, even if he shoots well.

That all said, Simons could also start more than usual with LeBron James and Joel Embiid taking nights off in Philadelphia due to load management. That will be something to keep an eye on throughout the season.

At +1200, I like the return enough to keep him on the shortlist. Simons could be an excellent pick Philadelphia gives him a clear job as its main bench scorer.

Ayo Dosunmu (+1200)

Ayo Dosunmu brings a balanced game to this race. He can push the pace, attack the basket, and defend opposing guards. That gives him several ways to help Minnesota even when his shot is not falling.

He averaged 14.4 points in 24 regular-season games with the Timberwolves last season. That provides a useful scoring base for evaluating his chances this year.

I like the possibility of him playing beside Anthony Edwards. Dosunmu can attack a defense after Edwards draws attention, and his ability to contribute without controlling the ball could help him earn time in close games.

The question is whether he remains a reserve and scores enough to stand out. His defense should help him stay on the floor, but I would want strong offensive production before making him a leading pick.

At the same +1200 price, I slightly prefer Simons for his scoring upside. Dosunmu becomes more appealing if Minnesota gives him substantial bench minutes, and he takes another step as a scorer.

DeMar DeRozan (+1600)

DeMar DeRozan offers an interesting veteran option in Denver. His ability to create a shot could be especially useful during stretches when Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray rest, and the Nuggets need another source of offense.

DeRozan’s midrange game is the main attraction. He can slow a possession down, get to a comfortable spot, and draw contact. In a bench role, I would expect Denver to use those skills to keep its offense moving when the starters sit.

However, his reputation alone will not win this award. He needs enough minutes and scoring chances to build a strong season-long case. His role also needs to remain mainly off the bench. He could get a few spot starts if the Nuggets try to keep Aaron Gordon healthy.

There is a balance to watch here. Denver could benefit from using him alongside Jokić, but those minutes might involve fewer touches than he gets leading the reserves. At +1600, I would consider DeRozan if he becomes the clear first scoring option for the second unit, but Denver’s injury record could be a problem.

Collin Sexton (+2500)

Collin Sexton offers scoring upside at a much longer NBA Sixth Man betting price. His speed and aggressive drives could give the Lakers a useful change of pace when they turn to the bench.

I would want to see how often he gets to run the offense. Playing beside other ball handlers could reduce his shot total, while leading the reserves would give him a better path to the numbers he needs. But one thing is for certain: Sexton isn’t afraid to get shots up, and his confidence is irrational sometimes, it is through the roof. You need that as a sixth man in the NBA.

At +2500, he is worth monitoring early in the season.

Reed Sheppard (+2500)

Reed Sheppard is my preferred long shot because his outside shooting gives him a route to standout scoring nights. If Houston gives him consistent minutes, a few strong stretches could bring him into the award conversation.

His passing adds appeal, but the main question is opportunity. He needs enough possessions to create shots and enough trust from the coaching staff to stay on the floor through cold spells. But Fred VanVleet is back to take over the starting role, which means Sheppard can just come off the bench and do what he does best, which is shoot the basketball.

The +2500 NBA 6th Man betting price offers a large return, though it also reflects uncertainty. I would consider a small bet if his bench role looks secure, while keeping Mitchell as my main selection.