2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year odds: Lakers’ Austin Reaves new favorite

Last updated: 2023/12/20 at 11:04 PM

BigP Published December 20, 2023

Following a breakout campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers last year — and a Team USA stint over the summer — Austin Reaves struggled to begin the NBA season.

However, after moving to the bench, Reaves has seen his averages improve across the board. So much so that his odds of winning the Sixth Man of the Year award have shortened drastically since the change.

Reaves opened the season at +25000 to win the award, but his Sixth Man odds currently sit at +250, making him the new betting favorite to win the award.

“None of this is to say that Reaves was a flash in the pan or ill-equipped to be the Lakers’ third option, like they talked about before the season.” FOX Sports NBA writer Yaron Weitzman stated when addressing Reaves’ early struggles this season.

“What it does mean, though, is that it’s now on him to adjust. Maybe moving him into a Sixth Man role — as the Lakers recently did — and giving him more opportunities to run the show could help him a bit.”

Weitzman’s sentiment has proven to be true, as Reaves is averaging 15 points with 4.7 rebounds and 5 assists since coming off the bench, which are all improvements over the 13.1 PPG with 4.4 RPG and 4.0 APG he averaged in eight games as a starter.

Can Hillbilly Kobe hold off other bench warriors for the rest of the season?

Let’s look at the latest Sixth Man of the Year odds.

SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR ODDS: *

Austin Reaves, Lakers: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Tim Hardaway Jr., Mavericks: +280 (bet $10 to win $38 total)
Cole Anthony, Magic: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Malik Monk, Kings: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hawks: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Immanuel Quickley, Knicks: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Naz Reid, Timberwolves: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Caris LeVert, Cavaliers: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Trey Murphy III, Pelicans: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Norman Powell, Clippers: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)

*odds as of 12/20/2023

Ja Morant scores 34 points, hits game-winner as Grizzlies defeat Pelicans

Currently, the Sixth Man of the Year award is basically a two-man race.

At +280, Tim Hardaway Jr. is the second-betting favorite with averages of 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He heads a strong second unit that has helped the Dallas Mavericks on their way to their current 16-10 record.

If the sharpshooter keeps up this torrid pace and the Mavs keep winning, he could be a favorite of many voters come awards time.