The NBA 2025-26 season midterm awards race is heating up, with Keldon Johnson of San Antonio Spurs and Naz Reid of Minnesota Timberwolves emerging as the top contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year award, both listed at +300 odds as of January 22, 2026. Johnson and Reid are considered the favorites, each with a 25% implied probability of winning, according to sportsbook odds. Reid, who previously won the award two years ago, is currently posting a career-high average of 14.5 points per game and is valued for his versatility and strong defense, often being relied upon in clutch moments. Johnson, also a key bench player, is in close pursuit, making this a competitive race. Other notable contenders include Jaime Jaquez Jr. (+750), who has carried the Miami Heat at times, and Anfernee Simons (+900), who has been a revelation off the bench for the Boston Celtics. Reached out for betting insights, NBC Sports analyst Drew Dinsick highlighted Simons’ recent surge as a market favorite, especially with his expected lead in bench scoring for the Celtics. The race is expected to remain dynamic, with players like Reed Sheppard, Keldon Johnson, and others potentially climbing the rankings with strong second-half performances. Historically, winners over the past decade include Jordan Clarkson, Montrezl Harrell, and Eric Gordon. The odds comparison across major sportsbooks suggests that Johnson and Reid are the leading candidates, but the race remains open, with betting strategies emphasizing the importance of analyzing player performance and team contributions.