NBA Market Watch: Maxey’s Scoring Surge and Tatum’s Imminent Return

By Oddixa — 2026-02-19

As the NBA season heats up, Tyrese Maxey is emerging as a premier scoring threat while Jayson Tatum prepares to bolster Boston's championship odds with a quick return.

Fantasy managers and player prop bettors should keep a close eye on Tyrese Maxey as he transitions from a secondary option to a primary focal point. With the Philadelphia 76ers relying heavily on his explosive playmaking, Maxey is positioned to see a significant uptick in usage. From a betting perspective, this suggests a high ceiling for 'Over' bets on his points totals, particularly in matchups against fast-paced teams with weak perimeter defense. If he continues this trajectory, his odds for the NBA’s Most Improved Player or even scoring leader markets will likely shorten rapidly.

On the injury front, the Boston Celtics are expecting Jayson Tatum to return to the hardwood sooner rather than later. For those wagering on the Eastern Conference standings or game-to-game spreads, Tatum’s presence is a massive swing factor. Boston has historically covered more consistently with their All-NBA forward in the lineup, as his ability to draw double-teams opens up the floor for the Celtics' shooters. Keep an eye on the injury reports; jumping on Boston’s futures or early lines before his return is officially confirmed could offer the best value for savvy bettors looking to beat the closing line move.