2013-14 NBA odds: Chris Paul is the projected assist king

Oct 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers power forward Thomas Robinson (41) guards Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) in the first quarter of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

For years, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul has been known as the best pure point guard in the NBA. Bovada.lv expects Paul to lead the league in assists, giving him 3/2 odds to do so. Last season, Paul averaged 9.7 assists per game, second in the league behind Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, who averaged 11.1 dimes per game.

However, Rondo injured his knee and played in just 38 games. Rondo will likely miss more time, so he is tied with Brooklyn Nets’ point guard Deron Williams with 3/1 odds to lead the league in assists. Williams averaged 7.7 assists per game last season, the fifth-most in the league.

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio, who is probably the game’s most entertaining passer, has 15/2 odds. In 57 games last year, Rubio averaged 7.3 assists per game.

Rounding out the top five is Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. Rose missed last season after tearing his ACL in the 2012 playoffs.

2013-14 NBA Assists Per Game Leader

Chris Paul (LAC) 3/2

Rajon Rondo (BOS) 3/1

Deron Williams (BRK) 3/1

Ricky Rubio (MIN) 15/2

Derrick Rose (CHI) 17/2

John Wall (WAS) 9/1

Steve Nash (LA) 16/1

Jeff Teague (ATL) 25/1

Tony Parker (SA) 25/1

Jose Calderon (DAL) 30/1

Brandon Jennings (DET) 55/1

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