Top Las Vegas odds makers were split on the question as to who will bag the 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year. The two names which came out on top were Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball and Philadelphia 76ers point forward Ben Simmons.

According to William Hill Nevada sports book, this year’s second overall NBA draft pick was listed with odds of 9-5. Meanwhile, the 2016 NBA Draft overall No. 1 pick came out as the favorite on Westgate SuperBook’s list at 5-2.

Ben Simmons as Rookie of the Year

"We expect Philadelphia to exceed the Lakers in wins and make the playoffs in the East, with Simmons having better stats [than Ball]," Westgate assistant manager Jeff Sherman told ESPN via text message.

Sherman believes that the reason behind Simmons’ high odd result is simple -- he would still have been the No. 1 overall pick even if he was included in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Last year, Simmons averaged 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in six Summer League games. This was enough for him to be named to the All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team. However, accident struck weeks before the 2016-17 NBA season starts as Simmons injured his right ankle during a scrimmage in their final training camp.

Initially, Simmons was given three to four months rest. However, after the 2017 NBA All-Star break, he was ruled out for the entire season as multiple tests show that the fractured fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot had not fully healed.

The complete list

William Hill Nevada sports book was first released last Wednesday, naming Lonzo Ball as the runaway winner with 9/5 odds to win. Lonzo’s role as the starting point guard of the rebuilding LA Lakers franchise under Magic Johnson is seen to boost the 19-year old rookie’s placing on the list.

The following day, Westgate SuperBook released their version with Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons listed as a 5-2 favorite.

Meanwhile, this year’s No. 1 overall pick and Sixers guard Markelle Fultz only placed fourth at 13-2 while Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr., who was picked at 9th placed third at 4-1.

Here is the list of qualified rookies and their corresponding odd scores from Westgate SuperBook and William Hill Nevada (single digits are /1):

  • Ben SIMMONS (PHI) | 5/2 | 4
  • Lonzo BALL (LAL) | 11/4 | 9/5
  • Dennis SMITH JR (DAL) | 4 | 4
  • Markelle FULTZ (PHI) | 15/2 | 13/2
  • De'Aaron FOX (SAC) | 10 | 8
  • Josh JACKSON (PHX) | 10 | 15
  • Jayson TATUM (BOS) | 10 | 8
  • Donovan MITCHELL (UTA) | 15 | 25
  • Malik MONK (CHA) | 25 | 15
  • Jonathan ISAAC (ORL) | 30 | 50
  • John COLLINS (ATL) | 30 | 50
  • Bam ADEBAYO (MIA) | 30 | 75
  • Milos TEODOSIC (LAC) | 40 | *
  • Justin JACKSON (SAC) | 40 | 50
  • Lauri MARKKANEN (CHI) | 40 | 25
  • Zach COLLINS (POR) | 40 | 75
  • Frank NTILIKINA (NY) | 50 | 50
  • Luke KENNARD (DET) | 50 | 75
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