Paolo Banchero, the top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was back in action on Thursday night in the NBA. His Orlando Magic improved to 2-7 with a victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors. Banchero, following a couple of slow games, was back scoring 20+ points for his team.
Banchero's recent game history
Banchero scored 22 points for the Magic against the Warriors. He also had 8 rebounds and 3 assists in 36 minutes of playing time. The outing followed a couple of subpar performances for the favorite to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year honor.
On Tuesday of this week, Banchero had what was arguably the worst regular-season game of his NBA career. He scored just 15 points in a loss to the OKC Thunder. In the previous game, Banchero had 18 points and 3 rebounds. Both represented his lowest points totals this season.
Paolo Banchero: odds too short to take
Over the last couple of weeks to start the regular season, Paolo Banchero's betting odds to win the Rookie of the Year in the NBA have shortened significantly. He was +175 (7/4) to start the season with bet365 and he is now -275 (4/11). This is a player that bettors should be steering clear of at such short odds.
Banchero's main competitor for the ROY is Bennedict Mathurin. He was out at 9/2 to win the award with bet365 as of Thursday night.
Mathurin has started the season strong as well but the Indiana Pacers have chosen to use him as a bench player. He was 6 to 1 a few days ago so some of the bets appear to be going this player's way as well.
The candidate that has lengthened recently is Keegan Murray. He was 11/2 to start the season but is now 10/1 with bet365.
