Tag: tyler herro

NBA Rookie of the Year Odds and Best Bets: Zion Williamson among favorites

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year. Is Zion Williamson worth a bet among the midseason favorites?

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The 2019-20 NBA season is roughly half over and the top contenders for the Rookie of the Year award have started to emerge. The 2019 NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick in PF Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans makes his NBA debut Wednesday and remains among the betting favorites. Below, we analyze the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year betting odds and make our picks. Can Williamson make up for missed time and upset the midseason favorites?

Get some action on the NBA Rookie of the Year odds or other NBA action by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM.

NBA Rookie of the Year Picks: Zion Williamson +1100

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.

Williamson was considered the likely first overall pick for almost the entirety of his freshman season at Duke in 2018-19, and he just so happened to fall right into the lap of the Pelicans as the logical replacement to Anthony Davis. The 6-foot-6, 284-pound forward averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 68.0% from the field over 33 games in his only college campaign.

He steps into a Pelicans lineup sitting 12th in the Western Conference at 17-27. They’re averaging 114.4 points per game and allowing 117.6 (minus-3.2).

While it’s conceivable Williamson’s return could lead the Pelicans to an unexpected playoff berth (they trail the Memphis Grizzlies by 3.5 games for the eighth seed), the Pelicans are unlikely to allow him to play all of their remaining 38 games. They have four sets of back-to-backs remaining, likely limiting Williamson to a maximum of 34 games for his rookie campaign.

Since the 2010-11 season, only PG Kyrie Irving in 2011-12 has won Rookie of the Year honors while playing fewer than 70 games. He played 51. It’s hard not to root for Williamson for the remainder of the season, but there’s no sense in backing him to win this award at such low odds. PASS.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Williamson to be named the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year would return a profit of $110 if he were to win.

NBA Rookie of the Year Picks: Top Contenders

Name Team Odds GP PPG RPG APG
Ja Morant MEM -556 37 17.9 3.5 7.0
Kendrick Nunn MIA +1000 43 16.3 2.8 3.6
RJ Barrett NYK +1200 41 14.1 5.2 2.5
Tyler Herro MIA +2500 40 12.9 4.2 2.1

Morant is favored by a landslide just past the halfway point of the season. The No. 2 pick of the draft has the Grizzlies in an unlikely playoff position and has fast-tracked their rebuild after the recent departures of franchise pillars C Marc Gasol and PG Mike Conley.

There’s no value in backing Morant with a $10 bet returning a profit of just $1.80. I’d make a small wager on Nunn (+1000) to hedge against a potential injury to Morant or collapse by the Grizzlies, but otherwise, I’m avoiding betting on an award seemingly already locked up.

Want some action on the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year odds or other NBA games? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Ja Morant once again tops all players

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the latest week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

With the NBA season officially halfway over, some rookies are beginning to separate themselves as the creme of the crop while others are just getting started.

Of course, the rookie class will receive a jolt of energy with No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson set to make his official NBA debut next week with the New Orleans Pelicans.

While the NBA community awaits the debut of Williamson, second overall pick Ja Morant has started to establish himself as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year given his outstanding play this season.

While Morant is off and running with the hardware, Rookie Wire will take a look at how some of the other first-year players are performing and where they stack up in the class.

Here are the latest Rookie Wire Power Rankings:

All stats are through games played on Jan. 15

5. Sekou Doumbouya, Detroit Pistons

Stats: 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds

Last Rank: N/A

Since first earning significant playing time earlier this month, Doumbouya has not disappointed. Doumbouya, the youngest player in the NBA, is averaging 14 points and 5.3 rebounds in eight games during January. Doumbouya recorded a career-high 24 points on Wednesday in a win over the Boston Celtics and has scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games.

4. Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat

Stats: 15.9 points, 3.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds

Last Rank: 2

Nunn is coming off of a 33-point performance Wednesday night in a win over the San Antonio Spurs. The undrafted guard finished by shooting 13-of-18 from the field, tying a career-high with five 3-pointers in the process. His scoring output has dropped a bit over the past month but Nunn is staying efficient and that has to be encouraging for the Heat. The team has said all season that any player is capable of going off each night and it was Nunn’s turn on Wednesday vs. the Spurs.

3. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 12.3 points, 3.6 assists, 2 rebounds

Last Rank: N/A

After an inconsistent start to the season, Garland has really emerged for the Cavaliers over the past two months. The fifth overall pick has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games and is averaging 16.3 points per game since the start of January. Garland recorded his first career double-double on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers with 14 points and 10 assists.

2. R.J. Barrett, New York Knicks

Stats: 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals

Last Rank: N/A

Barrett kicked off his rookie campaign on a bit of a tear but slowed down shortly after that. After some inconsistent play, Barrett is back to his dominating ways as the third overall pick is averaging 16.4 points and 5.4 rebounds over his last eight games with the Knicks. Perhaps most impressive is Barrett looks to be slowly improving from the free-throw line. He is converting on 76.1% of his attempts in January, a significant improvement over his 60.6% on the season. Maybe his strong recent play can be attributed to his new look, or perhaps Barrett is beginning to settle in this season. Whatever it is, Barrett looks to be back where he belongs: Near the top of the power rankings.

1. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Stats: 18 points, 6.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1 steal

Last Rank: 1

The collective NBA media is running out of ways to show how dominant Morant has been this season. Morant has rarely looked like a rookie and his play has put the Grizzlies among the top teams to watch on League Pass. Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady said on ESPN’s “The Jump” on Wednesday that he believes Morant will one day be an MVP and the best player in the league. Based on his incredible start this season, McGrady’s take may not be all that hot.

Honorable Mention:

P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets: 12.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists

Since returning from a broken finger, Washington has played well for the Hornets. In 11 games played, Washington is averaging 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He has totaled 34 points over his last two games and recently recorded his first 20-point double-double.

Tyler Herro, Miami Heat: 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists

The rookie guard is averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 38 games this season with the Heat. Herro ranks sixth in rookie scoring, sixth in total field goals (186) and is tied for first in 3-pointers made (80). He did not play on Wednesday due to a bruised left knee but the injury does not appear to be serious.

Jarrett Culver, Minnesota Timberwolves: 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2 assists

Culver appears to be turning the corner on offense after scoring in double figures in nine consecutive games for the first time this season. Against the Pacers on Wednesday, Culver seemingly had his whole bag of skills on display: His defense, ability to drive to the basket and get his teammates involved. Though it may have taken a bit longer than expected, Culver looks to be settling in this season with the Timberwolves.

Shout Out: 

Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

After beginning the season in the G League, Reid is seeing his first extended action of the season with the varsity club. Reid is averaging 9.8 points and 3.1 rebounds for the Timberwolves after recently scoring a career-high 20 points.

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Tyler Herro a late stratch on Wednesday vs. Spurs due to knee injury

The Heat rookie will not play on Wednesday night after suffering a knee injury during practice on Tuesday.

Miami Heat rookie Tyler Herro will not play Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs due to a left knee bruise, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

Herro apparently suffered the injury during practice on Tuesday. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said he was made aware of the injury just prior to addressing the media during his pre-game availability.

The game will be just the second missed for Herro this season after he did not play on Nov. 12 against the Detroit Pistons due to a sprained left ankle. The Heat defeated the Pistons without Herro during that matchup.

Herro is averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 38 games this season with the Heat. Herro ranks fourth in total scoring among all first-year players, sixth in total field goals (186) and first in 3-pointers made (80). The rookie has emerged as a key piece this season for the Heat as they will try to improve to 2-0 with Herro in the lineup.

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John Calipari says landing in Miami was ‘perfect’ for Tyler Herro

Given the “Heat Culture” instilled in Miami, the Hall of Fame coach believes landing with the organization was a perfect fit for Herro.

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari recently detailed a story about Tyler Herro and it perfectly summed up the situation the rookie would eventually find himself in.

Calipari coached Herro for one season at Kentucky as the guard would go on to become the 14th overall selection by the Miami Heat. Calipari highlighted one attribute that likely caught the attention of the Heat organization.

“I used to bust him down a little bit in practice, and he’d look at me like, ‘There’s nothing you can do too hard – give me more,'” Calipari said, via Dave Hyde of the Sun-Sentinel. “I’d say we’re doing extra work for March. He’d say, ‘Do more.’ He was in there every night. He was obsessed with being in a gym.”

The Heat have established themselves as an organization that commits to hard work, staying in shape and working hard off of the court.

The philosophy, led by president Pat Riley, has often been dubbed as “Heat Culture.” The team has suspended players in the past for arriving out of shape and their approach has even kept would-be free agents away.

Because of that, Calipari loved the fit for Herro.

“That’s why I said, ‘Miami’s perfect for you. You’re into basketball. That culture is perfect for you.’ And look how good it is.”

So far, so good for Herro.

The rookie guard is averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 38 games this season with the Heat. Herro ranks sixth in rookie scoring, fourth in total field goals (186) and first in 3-pointers made (80).

Herro has already earned the respect of many of his veteran teammates, including Jimmy Butler, who has been highly impressed with his work ethic throughout his time in Miami.

With the emergence of Herro and fellow rookie Kendrick Nunn, plus others, the Heat have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 27-12 so far this season.

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Donovan Mitchell had a NSFW answer for his defense on Tyler Herro

Mitchell took the blame on Monday after allowing Tyler Herro to score nine points in the fourth quarter in a losing effort.

The Miami Heat held off the Utah Jazz on Monday night to win thanks in large part to a fourth-quarter resurgence from rookie Tyler Herro.

The 13th overall pick recorded nine of his 17 total points in the final period, including a sequence where he scored six straight points for the Heat on three consecutive possessions.

Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell was the primary defender on Herro for those possessions and was brutally honest on his performance defending Herro after the game.

He kicked my ass for three straight possessions. Credit to him. He capitalized on my poor defense and I take the blame for that. That’s on me. He kicked my ass for three straight possessions and I had to be switched off on him.

The period of time when Herro took over occurred at a crucial point in the game. The Jazz cut a 10-point deficit down to six as the Heat started missing several shots to allow Utah to stay alive. Herro then reeled off several buckets to hold off the Jazz and take the victory.

For his part, Mitchell finished with 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting from the field though he took full responsibility for his lack of defensive effort down the stretch. Leaders oftentimes take the blame in situations when it is needed as Mitchell did just that on Monday.

That lapse in defense by Michell likely won’t happen again.

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Report: Heat not including Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn in trades

As the Heat look for a resolution with Dion Waiters, the team is not expected to move Tyler Herro or Kendrick Nunn in a potential trade.

As the NBA converged in Las Vegas last week for the G League Winter Showcase, one topic of conversation was the situation involving the Miami Heat and Dion Waiters.

Of course, Waiters has been suspended three different times this season and has yet to suit up for the Heat. His latest suspension, issued on Dec. 12, spanned six games after he posted a photo on Instagram on a boat when he told the team he would be unavailable to play due to an illness.

That suspension followed a 10-game ban in November when Waiters reportedly had a panic attack on the team plane after he ingested THC-infused edibles. Waiters is owed $12.1 million this season and $12.7 million next season.

The Heat have few options to move on from Waiters as Bobby Marks of ESPN reported on Monday that it is likely his career is over, barring an incredibly unlikely turnaround. Marks said the Heat would likely have to include some sort of sweetener in a trade, like a draft pick or young player, to move Waiters but added they will not include Tyler Herro or Kendrick Nunn.

Of course, every contract can be moved in some kind of trade, but the expense required to move Waiters doesn’t appear palatable. Miami is not attaching Kendrick Nunn, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson or Tyler Herro to incentivize a deal.

Since a trade is all but ruled out, the Heat can either waive Waiters and owe him his remaining salary or they could wait until the summer to come to a resolution.

In any case, the two prized rookies in Herro and Nunn appear to be safe in Miami for the foreseeable future.

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Jimmy Butler has made a tremendous impact on the Heat, Tyler Herro

The arrival of Jimmy Butler in South Beach has made quite an impact on the organization this season, from the top to the bottom.

The Miami Heat are a team with one star, and it isn’t Jimmy Butler.

Of course, that was the message delivered by Butler himself this week when questioned about the Heat being a team with only one star player.

“This is a team with one star?” Butler asked. “Who’s that star, Bam? I’ll take Bam as our star any day.”

Certainly, the question was asked with Butler in mind as the lone star on the roster. After all, Butler is a four-time NBA All-Star and a four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

But, this season has painted a better picture of Butler. He has caught criticism in the past for clashing with teammates since he is a player that has never been one to hold his tongue when it comes to speaking his mind. That has rubbed his former teammates the wrong way but it seems to fit in well in South Beach this season.

Through the first quarter of the season, the Heat have raced out to the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 20-8 thanks in large part to the play of Butler. He is pacing the Heat with 20.8 points per game but he has been quick to shine the spotlight on his teammates. From Bam Adebayo to rookies Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn, Butler doesn’t often talk about himself.

From the moment Butler agreed to join the Heat, his impact has been noticeable. The nine-year veteran arranged for some summer workouts with his new teammates and he even had Herro join him for a week in Chicago to get some work in. Herro recalled his experience working out with Butler, as reported by Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY.

Get up at 5:30 in the morning, workout at 6, another workout after that, get some lunch, another workout after that. It’s definitely something different, but I liked it. His hard work and dedication to the game leave an impact on everyone in the locker room.

Butler has immediately taken to Herro since joining the Heat. He has been impressed by his work ethic and willingness to guard any player on the court. As Butler said during training camp, Herro would even talk trash right back at him in pick-up games.

The team chemistry with the Heat is perhaps at an all-time high as everyone on the roster has completely bought into the Heat Culture, as it has been called in the past. The Heat have a proven track record of competing at the highest level and it has been no different this season.

Many thought the Heat were getting a proven star player when Butler arrived over the offseason but it turns out the star players may have already been on the roster.

At least, according to Butler.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Morant, Nunn maintain lead in Week 8

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the eighth week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

As the NBA has crossed over the quarter-mark of the 2019-20 season, several first-year players have been hit with injuries and are expected to miss some time for their respective clubs.

Of course, others have already dealt with injuries this season but have recovered and have continued to stay productive after missing some game action.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment rookies face each year is the longer NBA schedule. In college, most players appear in less than 40 games but that number will rise up to 82 in the NBA so that should be something to monitor over the course of the next month or so.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 8:

All stats are through games played on Dec. 17

5. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 16.1 points, 5 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Rank Last Week: 3

Speaking of injuries, Paschall recently missed two games for the Golden State Warriors after dealing with hip soreness. The second-round pick is set to return on Wednesday but he will be tasked with getting back on track. Prior to missing time, Paschall tallied just 10 points over his last two games combined, shooting just 25% (4-of-16) from the field. That stretch was easily his worst of the season after recently scoring in double figures in 13 straight games.

4. De’Andre Hunter, Hawks

Stats: 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2 assists

Rank Last Week: 5

Hunter has been up and down since scoring a career-high 28 points on Dec. 10 but he is averaging 13.5 points over his last four games for the Hawks. The fourth overall pick is coming off of a 19-point performance Tuesday night in a blowout loss to the New York Knicks while he hauled in five rebounds and dished out four assists. Hunter has struggled with his shot selection this season, often forcing looks or taking shots out of his range, but with the Hawks losers of five straight, that may not be the biggest concern at the moment.

3. Tyler Herro, Heat

Stats: 14.2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention

Herro registers his highest ranking of the season this week after posting 16 points and 4.7 rebounds over his last three games for the Heat. After a scoreless performance on Dec. 10 and a seven-point outing on Dec. 13, Herro has combined for 41 points over his last two games, including a 22-point outburst on Monday. The 13th overall pick is fifth in rookie scoring and has been on the shortlist of standouts this season in his class.

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 16.1 points, 3.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1 steal

Rank Last Week: 2

After recording a career-high 36 points on Dec. 10, Nunn continued his strong play. Nunn is averaging 15.7 points and 4.7 assists over his last three games while he is shooting 43.8% from 3-point range. Perhaps his best highlight of the week came on Friday when he posterized Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee. Nunn adds an aggressive option on offense for the HEat and he has certainly displayed that this season. McGee would likely attest to that, as well.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 18.8 points, 6.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Rank Last Week: 1

Morant has proven to be the most dominant rookie so far this season and has continued to do so even after missing four games recently with back soreness. Since returning on Dec. 9, Morant is posting 20.8 points, 4.5 assists, four rebounds and one steal in four games for the Grizzlies. During that span, Morant even threw down perhaps the dunk of the year after posterizing Aron Baynes. He is coming off of a 20-point performance against the Heat on Monday as he helped the Grizzlies avoid an epic collapse after Miami erased a 17-point deficit.

Honorable Mention:

Rui Hachimura, Wizards: 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Hachimura will miss the next five games for the Wizards after suffering a groin contusion on Monday when he was inadvertently kicked by a teammate. The injury will put a hold on what was a productive month of December for the ninth overall pick. In eight games, Hachimura is averaging 17.3 points and 6.6 rebounds while he is shooting 49.1% from the field. Hachimura will be re-evaluated after Christmas and could be done until after the new year.

On the Rise:

Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

Clarke has been on a tear since returning from a four-game absence with an oblique injury. The first-round pick is averaging 18 points over his last three games, the most by a rookie over that span. He is shooting 72.4% from the field and 75% from 3-point range. Clarke is fourth in the NBA in field-goal percentage and has been among the biggest steals of the NBA Draft.

R.J. Barrett, Knicks

After dropping out of the rankings last week, Barrett returns after a career night on Tuesday when he recorded 27 points in a blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks. Barrett has battled through consistency issues this season but he showed off his overall game against the Hawks as the Knicks have suddenly won three of four.

Kevin Porter Jr., Cavaliers

Porter recently recorded a career-high 24 points against James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Dec. 11 and is averaging 13.3 points over his last four games. Porter has had an up and down campaign to this point but appears to be settling in for the Cavaliers.

Shout Out:

Admiral Schofield, Wizards

The second-round pick recently turned in his best stretch of the season for the Wizards after recording 23 points over his last two games in 20 minutes. Whether in the G League or NBA, Schofield has a knack for making the most of his time on the court.

P.J. Washington, Hornets

Like Hachimura, Washington recently suffered an injury that will keep him out for five games with a fractured finger. Washington has had a productive month of December, including back-to-back 13-point performances before suffering his injury.

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LeBron James and Lakers come back to South Beach to play strong Heat

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to give Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat their first home loss of the season.

It’s the winter and once again LeBron James is flying down to South Beach as his Los Angeles Lakers continue their five-game road trip against a team that has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season and is a franchise associated with the best basketball of LeBron’s career.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis each had major parts in the win for the Lakers in early November but the Heat have been playing even better over the last few weeks. While the Lakers have earned the benefit of the doubt more than any team in the league, the Heat’s gritty ethos on their home court makes them someone to fear.

As it stands, the Heat are 18-6 on the season and they’ve done an amazing job despite Jimmy Butler not being the alpha dog player everyone assumed he would be. Center Bam Adebayo is dishing assists like prime Bill Walton while also being one of the league’s most fearsome defenders. He locked down Pascal Siakam only nine days ago in Toronto, holding the dynamic scorer to 5 for 14 from the field and just 15 points.

New acquisition Meyers Leonard has provided some quality floor spacing and solid defensive rebounding at center while veteran guard Goran Dragic has been a shot in the arm off the bench on a nightly basis for Miami.

The Lakers have been running through teams over the last few weeks no matter where they are and with LeBron in a familiar environment, the location shouldn’t be a difficulty. What will be difficult is a Heat team that is playing well, playing together and playing seriously enough to give the Lakers a good game on South Beach.

 

Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Ja Morant picks up where he left off

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the seventh week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant recently returned after missing four games due to back soreness after crashing into a courtside camera operator.

With Zion Williamson out following knee surgery, the top of the rookie class took a hit over the past week with Morant out of the lineup and R.J. Barrett struggling to stay consistent.

Of course, Morant returned on Monday night to lead the Grizzlies to a win over the Golden State Warriors. He recorded a team-high 26 points in that game and reasserted himself as the top rookie to this point of the season.

As Morant showed so signs of slowing down following his injury, some other rookies are beginning to pick up steam as the NBA begins the second quarter of the season.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 7:

All stats are through games played on Dec. 10

5. De’Andre Hunter, Hawks

Stats: 12.8 points, 4 rebounds, 1.9 assists

Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention

Speaking of pick up steam, Hawks rookie De’Andre Hunter has burst onto the scene over the past few weeks. Hunter recorded a career-high 28 points on Tuesday night in an overtime loss to the Miami Heat as he shot an efficient 11-of-17 from the field. Hunter recently dealt with a dislocated right index finger but showed no signs of any issues on Tuesday night. Hunter is up to seventh in rookie scoring this season but is averaging 14.5 points per game over his six games, good for sixth-best over that time period.

4. Rui Hachimura, Wizards

Stats: 14.4 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Rank Last Week: 5

After struggling with his consistency, Hachimura has quietly strung together quite a few impressive performances. The ninth overall pick has scored in double figures in seven straight games and is averaging 19.6 points over that span, the most among all rookies. Of course, that streak includes a career-high 30 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 1 and a 27-point performance two games later against the Philadelphia 76ers. The rookie appears to be finally finding his way with the Wizards and it has led to some improved play as of late.

3. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 16.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Rank Last Week: 2

As the Warriors struggle, Paschall is coming off of his worst outing of the season. The second-round pick recorded a season-low five points on Monday, snapping a streak of 13 consecutive games scoring in double figures. Paschall still leads the rookie class in total points scored, just topping Kendrick Nunn and Ja Morant. Paschall has thrived in isolation situations this season and has used his size and strength to get to the basket. He is having a strong rookie campaign to this point and now has the second-highest odds to win the Rookie of the Year award as a result.

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 16.2 points, 3.4 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1 steal

Rank Last Week: 3

The undrafted rookie reclaims the second spot in our rankings after a monster performance on Tuesday against the Hawks. Nunn recorded a career-high 36 points, finishing 14-of-26 from the field while adding six rebounds and four assists. Nunn is averaging 19 points over the past week as he appears to have broken out of a recent slump that saw him post 10.5 points over a four-game stretch. He is now just one of four rookies to record at least 30 points in a game this season, joining Eric Paschall, Ja Morant and Rui Hachimura.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 19.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Rank Last Week: 1

As previously mentioned, Morant returned on Monday after a four-game absence to lead the Grizzlies with 26 points in the win over the Warriors. Morant showed no signs of any lingering back issues during the game and fooled a number of Warriors players on a nifty pass fake for an easy bucket. The Grizzlies likely held Morant out to fully heal as the injury was not considered to be serious but it was certainly a plus to have Morant back out on the court Monday night.

Honorable Mention:

Tyler Herro, Heat: 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2 assists

Herro had back-to-back performances of at least 20 points over the weekend but followed that up by going scoreless Tuesday night in 23 minutes of action. Herro is tied with R.J. Barrett for fifth in scoring among rookies but his zero-point outing against the Hawks shouldn’t be a cause for concern moving forward.

P.J. Washington, Hornets: 12.2 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1 steal

Washington hit a bit of a wall toward the end of November but has come on strong for the Hornets since then. He is averaging 14.9 points and 4.4 rebounds over his last eight games, including a 20-point performance against the Hawks on Sunday. Perhaps most impressive in that outing is Washington got to the free-throw line 13 times, converting on 12 shots.

On the Rise:

Cam Reddish, Hawks: 8.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Reddish is fifth in scoring among all rookies over the last week, averaging 14.7 points while shooting 50% (7-of-14) from 3-point range. Reddish had a career-high 25 points on Dec. 4 as he continues to flash his potential this season.

Jaxson Hayes, Pelicans: 9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks

Hayes is finding consistent playing time now and is producing as a result. He is averaging 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in five December games and has scored in double figures in three straight games for the first time this season.

Matisse Thybulle, 76ers: 5.1 points, 1.5 steals, 1.3 rebounds

Thybulle recorded a career-high 20 points on Sunday and followed that up with 13 points Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. He is shooting 52.9% (9-of-17) from 3-point range over his last four games as he appears to be settling in with the Sixers.

Shout Out:

Luguentz Dort, Thunder

After beginning the season in the G League with the OKC Blue, Dort has spent the past three games in the NBA with the Thunder. He recorded his first bucket on Sunday and had nine points on Monday night.

Dropped Out:

R.J. Barrett, Knicks; Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

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