Mitchell Robinson +160 Favorite to Lead NBA in Blocks Per Game; ’18-19 Block Leader Myles Turner Is +290

• New York Knicks center has emerged as a strong +160 favorite to lead the NBA in blocks this season
• Robinson finished second to Myles Turner, who enters the new season pegged as a +290 second-favorite
• Three-time NBA blocks leader Anthony Davis lags at +400 after suffering a thumb injury in NBA preseason action

Mitchell Robinson enjoyed an impressive start to his NBA career. After being selected 36th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, the 21-year-old showed steady progress as his rookie campaign progressed.

He now looks towards the upcoming season perched as the favorite to lead the NBA in blocks per game, sporting short +160 odds.

Odds to Lead NBA In Blocks Per Game

*Odds taken 10/15/19

Robinson Coming Off Impressive NBA Debut

Robinson made an immediate impact in his debut at 2018 Summer League, setting records for both offensive rebounds and blocks. After overcoming a slow start to the regular season, Robinson’s superior blocking skills quickly became apparent.

The seven-foot, one-inch tall center emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal Knicks season. Robinson recorded three or more blocks in 18 of his final 26 appearances to finish with 161 total blocks, and averaged 2. 4 per game, second only to Indiana’s Myles Turner, who led the NBA with 199 total blocks, averaging 2.7 per game.

With New York failing in its bid to be a major player in this summer’s free agent market, Robinson is poised to take on a leadership role with the club. That already became evident down the stretch last season, as Robinson saw a dramatic increase in minutes, jumping from an average of just 16.9 in February to over 36 minutes per game over his final eight appearances.

Can Turner Repeat as Blocks Leader?

Turner rebounded from an injury-plagued campaign in 2017/2018, averaging 13.3 points and 28.6 minutes while appearing in 74 contests. The four-year veteran is also off to a strong start in NBA preseason action, leading the league with 12 blocks through three outings, including an impressive five-block performance in the Pacers’ 105-87 win over Chicago last Friday night.

Myles Turner wants to take another step defensively and to 'step it up even more' on offense. He feels that he has produced at a 'decent level' offensively.

He also wants to become more of a 'voice' for the team this season, especially while Victor Oladipo is sidelined. pic.twitter.com/nX94748ABj

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) September 28, 2019

After signing a four-year, $72 million contract extension that kicks in this season, Turner will also see increased playing time, but will also be under pressure to show improvement offensively, which could come at the risk of his defensive responsibilities.

Porzingis Set to Return Following 20-Month Layoff

Further down the odds board, a pair of NBA stars lag as dark horse candidates to lead the NBA in blocks this season, with Kristaps Porzingis and Joel Embiid both sporting +1800 odds.

After drilling his first three shots in a Mavs uniform, Kristaps Porzingis is 8-of-28 from the floor, looking like a guy working his way back after a 20-month layoff. His take after scoring 11 points on 4-13 FG Friday night: pic.twitter.com/gjtq3gHQ0Z

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) October 12, 2019

Dealt to Dallas by the Knicks last February, Porzingis returns to action after being sidelined since February 2018 with a serious knee injury.

Mavericks fans are salivating at the chance to finally see Porzingis join forces with last season’s NBA Rookie-of-the-Year winner, Luka Doncic. But faced with the challenge of joining a new team, and shaking off the rust following a 20-month layoff, Porzingis faces tempered expectations.

Embiid Reportedly on Fitness Kick

Embiid has also been plagued by injuries since being selected third overall by Philadelphia in the 2014 NBA Draft. The talented 25-year-old center has appeared in just 158 total games over the past three seasons, and has been criticized for both his diet and conditioning since turning pro.

Joel Embiid said he’s down 20 pounds. Was 25, says he put on 5 since. Said it was muscle #Sixers pic.twitter.com/fON4jgAgK4

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) September 30, 2019

However, Embiid has been busy getting fit this summer, reportedly showing up at camp down 20 pounds.

When healthy, he is a threat at both ends of the court, as he demonstrated last spring while averaging 20.2 points and 2.3 blocks per game during the 76ers run to the second round of the NBA playoffs. But until Embiid and Porzingis demonstrate much better durability, neither offer much value on the NBA season props.

Pick: Mitchell Robinson to lead the NBA in blocks (+160)