How Do Oddsmakers Expect the Top NBA Rookie Debuts to Go?

The 2021 NBA Draft class gets to make their debuts tonight, with several of them in action. Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick, is out with an ankle injury. However, Jalen Green, Scottie Barnes and several other rookies will get their chance to shine tonight. 

Who will start their Rookie of the Year campaign tonight? Will there be a surprise rookie star?

Here’s how some of the more notable rookies are expected to perform tonight.

Prop Bets for Rookies

• Jalen Green Over/Under 14.5 Points
• Scottie Barnes: Over/Under 8.5 Rebs+Asts
• Josh Giddey: Over/Under 14.5 PTS

Jalen Green OVER 14.5 Points

Jalen Green -- who might have the biggest chip on his shoulder ever by a No. 2 overall pick -- will start the season in Minneapolis. The Rockets are +210 on the moneyline and 6.5-point underdogs on the spread.

The consensus line is 14.5 and I think that’s a great line to take the over on. The Rockets are giving him the keys to the franchise and Green will have the ultimate green light. Despite Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. being there, Green is going to be the star of the show. 

Scottie Barnes UNDER 8.5 Rebounds + Assists

Barnes seems to be a part of an experiment the Toronto Raptors are doing in which they draft a team of truly position-less players. Barnes is 6’7” with a 7’2” wingspan. He’s long, versatile and just what the Raptors are looking for. I think Barnes will be a great rebounder, especially in the absence of Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher. His playmaking will be the deciding factor in this prop, which will still need developing since he’s a rookie. 

I’ll take the under on this. 

Josh Giddey UNDER 14.5 Points

Giddey, who played in Australia last season, was brought in to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City. I’m not as high on him reaching this mark as I am Green, so I may take the under on this one. Giddey and the Thunder are also going up against the Utah Jazz tonight. Utah’s defense is one of the best in the league and Salt Lake City is one of the toughest places to play. 

Giddey might be in for a culture shock today when he first steps on the court.