2026 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Early Odds: Pritchard To Become 4th Back-To-Back Winner

There are some interesting awards in the NBA that no other sports consider. One of the most notable is the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Called the John Havlicek Trophy since 2023, this is awarded to the best bench player in the NBA, though said player generally plays a starter’s allotment of minutes.

To be eligible, a player must come off the bench in more games than they start during the year. Simple enough.. You would think. But there is always much debate about how many starts is too many. So, this one is as tough to call as any on the betting odds board, though this year we have a pretty clear favorite. Here’s a breakdown of the rest of the odds and favorites on the board!

2025-2026 NBA Sixth of the Year July Odds: Breakdown & Value Picks - July 21

All odds provided by Betway.

2025-2026 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Betting Odds

The Favorites

Payton Pritchard, G, Boston Celtics (+400): There have only ever been five repeat winners of this award in its 43 years of existence. Only three of those went back-to-back, and Lou Williams is the only one to do it since 1992, winning it in 2018 and 2019 for the Clippers. Payton Pritchard is a great player, but we have a feeling the Celtics might struggle a little bit, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him inserted into the starting lineup. These odds aren’t doing anybody any favors either.

De’Andre Hunter, F, Cleveland Cavaliers (+750): This is actually a pretty clever one. De’Andre Hunter was traded to the Cavaliers midseason last year, and they bring back most of the same core. Once this uber-athletic and multi-talented swing forward gets more chemistry in Cleveland, he could become their second-best player in short order. The only worry here is that he might start.

Naz Reid, C, Minnesota Timberwolves (+1,000): Another guy who has won before, Naz Reid is an interesting choice, but again, someone we don’t think is worth the squeeze. There are not often multiple-time winners of this trophy, and Reid is one of only two big men to win this award since 2012.

Long Shot Value Bets

• Jabari Smith Jr., F, Houston Rockets (+3,300): We’re very high on Houston going into this season, and if Jabari Smith Jr. does get the 6th man role rather than a starting one, these +3,300 odds from Ontario sportsbooks could pay out like gangbusters if the Rockets turn into the dominant team in the West like we think they can—and should.
• T.J. McConnell, G, Indiana Pacers (+3,300): Tyrese Haliburton has been ruled out for the season, so we’re not sure if T.J. McConnell will even be coming off the bench. But if he does, this might be the best bet on the board. No matter where he starts, he’s going to play a lot with Haliburton not in the picture at point guard.