One of the most exciting and unpredictable award markets each NBA season is the NBA Sixth Man of the Year odds. As the new NBA season tips off, bettors and fans alike are eyeing early sixth man candidates who could rise from role players to award winners.
The 2025-26 race is already drawing early buzz, with a field of intriguing contenders and betting odds that reflect a wide-open chase.
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Understanding the Sixth Man Award
The Sixth Man of the Year award is presented annually to the league’s top-performing bench player — someone who doesn’t start regularly but contributes significantly in minutes, production, and impact. This honor recognizes not just scoring, but also versatility and scoring ability, steady defense, and a player’s contribution to team success.
Recent Winners (Past Few Years)
| Season | Player | Team |
| 2024-25 | Payton Pritchard | Boston Celtics |
| 2023-24 | Naz Reid | Timberwolves |
| 2022-23 | Malcolm Brogdon | Boston Celtics |
| 2021-22 | Tyler Herro | Miami Heat |
| 2020-21 | Jordan Clarkson | Utah Jazz |
Players like Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford helped shape the award’s legacy, each winning it three times — the most in NBA history. But as the award has evolved, the focus has shifted more toward consistent shot making, two-way play, and impact on winning teams.
Sixth Man of the Year Odds: 2025-26 Preseason Leaders
Here are the early odds to win NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2025-26 season, based on most online sportsbooks:
| Player | Team | Odds |
| De’Andre Hunter | Cleveland Cavaliers | +1100 |
| Naz Reid | Timberwolves | +1100 |
| Jordan Clarkson | New York Knicks | +1400 |
| Anfernee Simons | Boston Celtics | +1400 |
| Ty Jerome | Memphis Grizzlies | +1600 |
| Reed Sheppard | Houston Rockets | +1900 |
| Josh Hart | New York Knicks | +2000 |
| Jared McCain | 76ers | +2200 |
| Malik Monk | Sacramento Kings | +2500 |
| Donte DiVincenzo | Timberwolves | +6000 |
Donte DiVincenzo
These display odds are an early sign ahead of the season. As we’ve seen in past years, the eventual year winner is not always among the favorites. In fact, last season, Payton Pritchard won after opening at +10000 — a testament to the fluidity and value found in this market.
Key Trends Shaping the Sixth Man Race
The NBA sixth man discussion has changed in recent years. While once the domain of pure bench scorers, the award now typically goes to players on playoff-bound teams that demonstrate consistent statistical impact and contribute to their team’s scoring efforts in crucial moments.
Key Sixth Man Trends:
- Winners almost always play for 50+ win teams
- Award now encompasses two-way play, not just buckets
- Avoid betting players expected to enter the starting lineup
- Candidates must remain bench-eligible most of the season
- Metrics like on-off metrics and win shares matter to voters
Sixth Man Voting: 2024-25 Final Results
| Rank | Player | Team | Vote Points | 1st Place Votes |
| 1 | Payton Pritchard | Boston Celtics | 454 | 82 |
| 2 | Malik Beasley | Detroit Pistons | 279 | 13 |
| 3 | Ty Jerome | Cleveland Cavaliers | 91 | 2 |
| 4 | De’Andre Hunter | Cleveland Cavaliers | 33 | 2 |
| 5 | Naz Reid | Timberwolves | 31 | 1 |
This table illustrates how sixth man voting has started favoring bench players on elite teams. Even though Malik Beasley had higher scoring totals, Pritchard’s team won 17 more games — showcasing how team success often outweighs pure stats.
Best Bets: Sixth Man Picks for 2025-26
🔥 Favorite: Naz Reid (+1100)
A former year award winner in 2023-24, Reid has carved out a valuable role with the Timberwolves thanks to his scoring ability, toughness, and improved rebounding. He should continue thriving as the team’s super sub.
💎 Sleeper: Josh Hart (+2000)
Now back in a bench role for the New York Knicks, Hart is known for his versatility and scoring ability — plus elite rebounding for his position. If he maintains his stats and New York contends, he’s in the mix.
🎯 Long Shot: Donte DiVincenzo (+6000)
DiVincenzo may be one of the dynamic bench contributors shaping this race. With more minutes opening up in Minnesota, the former first season Knicks guard could exceed expectations. He was +1400 a year ago — now he’s a steal.
Other Dynamic Bench Contributors to Watch
- Jordan Clarkson: A past sixth man winner still producing efficiently.
- Anfernee Simons: A newly acquired Celtic who may have a similar path as Pritchard did last year.
- Ty Jerome: A breakout candidate if his role stays consistent.
- Reed Sheppard: Drawing early buzz in Houston as a microwave scorer.
Each of these players represents different NBA betting tools in your futures portfolio, especially for those looking for early win payout potential in popular NBA futures markets.
Legacy: Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford
No sixth man conversation is complete without nodding to Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford. These icons set the gold standard for the role and helped elevate bench play to a starring level.
- Lou Williams: 3x Winner (2015, 2018, 2019)
- Jamal Crawford: 3x Winner (2010, 2014, 2016)
Their influence continues to echo in how we evaluate modern sixth men — bench players who make a difference.
Final Thoughts
The NBA Sixth Man of the Year odds reflect a deep, competitive pool of talent where anything can happen. If history has taught us anything, it’s that the early narrative can shift quickly. The new NBA season offers a fresh chance for savvy bettors to find value — whether it’s through early picks like Reid, sleeper plays like Hart, or long shots like DiVincenzo.
As always, monitor roles, injuries, and on-off metrics throughout the NBA season. The year race will evolve — and so will the odds.
