Naz Reid Leads NBA Sixth Man Race: 2025-26 Betting Insights

The NBA season is currently at its midpoint, showcasing unexpected turns. Teams like Detroit and Boston are leading in the East, while San Antonio holds the second spot in the West. This season has also been marred by injuries to key players. Amidst these developments, it is now time to evaluate the NBA’s postseason awards. The focus today is on the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Naz Reid Leads Sixth Man Race in 2025-26

This year, Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves stands out as a frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year. He previously won this award two seasons ago, and his current performance surpasses even those impressive statistics. Reid is averaging a career-high of 14.5 points per game and has become a vital asset for his coach, Chris Finch. His versatility allows him to contribute significantly on both offense and defense, reflected in his notable 38.8% shooting from three-point range.

Challengers in the Sixth Man Race

While Reid is a formidable candidate, several players are making a push for the award:

• Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat): Jaquez has proven to be pivotal for the Heat’s offense, though he needs to increase his scoring efficiency to contend seriously for the award.
• Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder): In his second season, Mitchell has emerged as a strong bench player, contributing effectively even within a stacked roster.
• Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets): Another name to watch, Sheppard could make a strong case with a solid second half of the season.
• Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs): Johnson’s performance could elevate his standing in the race if he maintains consistency.
• Anfernee Simons (Boston Celtics): Simons is gaining momentum and could easily join the top tier with continued strong performances.

Notably, players like Anthony Black, Nickiel Alexander-Walker, and Collin Gillespie have transitioned to regular starters, making them ineligible for the Sixth Man award due to their increased presence on the court.

Betting Insights for the Sixth Man Race

According to betting analysts, the criteria for selecting the Sixth Man of the Year typically favor the most productive bench player from a top-seeded team. Currently, Anfernee Simons is gaining traction in betting markets, having moved to the forefront of the scoring off the bench. His odds of 14/1 might not fully reflect his recent uptick in performance, as he currently trails Reid and Jaquez in total points scored from the bench.

As the season progresses towards the All-Star break, it seems likely that Simons could emerge as a favorite, potentially making him the best betting option for this coveted award.