Tuesday’s Spurs-Thunder game will be a big matchup in more ways than one.
From a team perspective, the contest is part of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. San Antonio and Oklahoma City will face off on the Thunder’s two-tone blue court as they each seek their first win in West Group C.
While there are stakes for each team, fans will have their eyes glued to two 7-footers leading the pack in the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year race.
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Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren will go head-to-head in the regular season for the first time in their young careers.
The preseason already provided a glimpse of what could become a growing rivalry. Wembanyama flexed on Holmgren after hitting an and-1, to which Holmgren responded on social media by saying “the headbutt is an unstoppable move.”
Wembanyama and Holmgren have four regular season matchups this year and will face off frequently as Southwest Division foes throughout their careers. Still, first impressions matter, and Tuesday’s showdown could stick in the minds of awards voters come April.
Ahead of Wembanyama and Holmgren’s first showdown against one another, here is a look at where they currently stand in Rookie of the Year odds:
NBA
2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year odds
Wembanyama is the early favorite with Holmgren in second place ahead of Tuesday’s Spurs-Thunder game, according to our partner, PointsBet. Here is how they compare to other Rookie of the Year hopefuls:
- Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: -400
- Chet Holmgren, Thunder: +375
- Ausar Thompson, Pistons: +2200
- Brandon Miller, Hornets: +3300
- Scoot Henderson, Trail Blazers: +7500
- Keyonte George, Jazz: +7500
- Amen Thompson, Rockets: +8000
- Dereck Lively, Mavericks: +8000
Victor Wembanyama stats
Wembanyama is averaging 19.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.4 blocks per game in his first 10 NBA contests. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman has four double-doubles and went off for 38 points and 10 rebounds in a road victory against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 2.
Chet Holmgren stats
Holmgren is averaging 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.3 blocks per game across his first 10 games. The 7-footer has three double-doubles and came within three blocks of a triple-double in a Oct. 27 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Editor's note: PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.