Props for Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen Offer Solid Value for Money
================================================================================
In the 2025 NBA draft, the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, setting the stage for a promising rookie season. With Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL injury, Flagg is expected to see significant playing time and be a primary scoring option for the team.
Flagg, a National Player of the Year in college, has demonstrated strong scoring, playmaking, and defensive skills. He averaged 12.6 points per game (PPG) last season and showed scoring flashes in Summer League, scoring 31 points in his second game. Flagg's odds at legal sports betting sites are set at -120 for him to clear 16.5 PPG for his rookie season [1][2][3][5].
Another rookie to watch for scoring and rebounds is Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards. Johnson averaged 19.5 points per game in Summer League and landed on a Wizards team lacking an elite scorer, providing him with many opportunities to contribute offensively.
Derik Queen, who was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, is another notable rookie. However, his line for rebounds per game (RPG) is set at 6.5 for his rookie season, suggesting that he may not yet be considered a top rookie option based on current data.
Yves Missi anchors the center position for the Pelicans, having a solid rookie season with the team. However, the Pelicans' depth at the center position is extremely thin, with Queen and Kylor Kelley and Karlo Matkovic as the only returning bigs after Missi. Derik Queen is expected to get heavy minutes right out of the gate and potentially become the starter at some point during the season for the Pelicans [1][2][3][5].
Dylan Harper, a highly regarded rookie for the San Antonio Spurs, showed finishing ability and intensity but may see limited scoring and rebounding opportunities behind established players like De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. His playing time might mostly come off the bench, which could limit his per-game production despite his talent [1][2][3][5].
In summary, Cooper Flagg stands out as the top rookie bet for both PPG and RPG due to his college dominance, early Summer League flashes, favorable team situation, and high expectations. Tre Johnson is also a strong bet for scoring given his opportunity, while Dylan Harper may have more modest numbers due to team depth.
Key points for betting considerations:
- Cooper Flagg: High scoring upside, good rebounding potential for his position, will likely get heavy minutes due to team needs and injuries [1][2][3][5].
- Tre Johnson: Solid scoring ability and opportunity on a less crowded Washington Wizards team [1].
- Dylan Harper: Talented but limited upside due to playing behind established stars in San Antonio [1][2].
Derik Queen’s lack of mention indicates less prominence for bets based on current available info.
[1] Drew Gniadek, "The top NBA rookie to bet on for points per game (PPG) and rebounds per game (RPG) based on college stats and team situation," Sportswriters.net, 2025.
[2] NBA, "2025 NBA Draft Results," NBA.com, 2025.
[3] ESPN, "2025 NBA Draft: Grades for all 30 teams," ESPN.com, 2025.
[4] Yahoo Sports, "2025 NBA Draft: Grades for all 30 teams," Yahoo Sports, 2025.
[5] Sports Illustrated, "2025 NBA Draft: Grades for all 30 teams," Sports Illustrated, 2025.
- Sports betting enthusiasts might find attractive odds for Cooper Flagg to surpass 16.5 points per game (PPG) at various legal betting sites, given his college dominance and high expectations.
- The odds for Tre Johnson to score more than a specific PPG may also be worth considering, as he is expected to receive significant playing time on a Washington Wizards team lacking an elite scorer.
- However, in the case of Dylan Harper, his limited opportunities due to San Antonio's deep roster might restrain his per-game production, despite his talent, as suggested by most sports outlets.
- Derik Queen's odds might not be as compelling at this time, considering he is still a rookie and faces competition for minutes at the New Orleans Pelicans.
