There was a point in time when Russell Westbrook’s chances to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award seemed more than legit.
After accepting a bench role with the Los Angeles Lakers and playing surprisingly well in that role, his odds climbed from “no way in hell” at the beginning of the season all the way to betting favorite in early November — and he remained the favorite for several months.
Even as Westbrook prepares to make his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, he remains one of the favorites. But if the latest news on his role with the team holds true, he won’t be for long.
Westbrook is expected to start Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, with Terrance Mann rejoining the second unit, according to The Athletic Clippers reporter Law Murray. And his sixth man odds have already began to tumble.
Russell Westbrook 6th man of the year odds this season:
November 5th: +5000
November 15th: +140
January 24th: -140
February 16th: +600
TODAY: +1100It's been a roller coaster ride for Westbrook 6th man bettors 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zfImxC01CD
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) February 24, 2023
At BetMGM, Westbrook’s +1200 odds are still far better than all but three players, but they’re now a distant fourth to the top three, including his new Clippers teammate Norman Powell at +375.
Malcolm Brogdon is the runaway favorite for the award at -190 odds, taking the top spot right around the trade deadline when Westbrook was dealt to Utah. Tyrese Maxey is third at +450.
If Westbrook plays well in his new situation, he’ll likely remain a starter, which means every bet on him to win sixth man of the year went up in smoke when the Lakers decided they needed a change. That would be good for Westbrook and his future in the NBA, but bad for his bettors.
There’s always the outside chance he stinks as a starter, goes back to the bench where he thrives again, and puts himself back in the conversation. Which means his current odds are a steal. That’s not a scenario I’m willing to bet on though.
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