NBA bigs aren’t as essential as they were in the 1970s and 1980s, but they are still an important piece of any NBA team. One of the most important stats big men contribute to is rebounding. A team that wins the rebound battle is often the team that wins the game, as it provides fast break and second-chance opportunities.
There are many skilled rebounders in the NBA, but which player will be the rebounds leader for the 2022-23 NBA season? Let’s discuss some of the players who could win the title, before making a final pick.
Top Contenders to Lead the NBA in Rebounds
Nikola Jokic (+250) – Denver Nuggets
The reigning back-to-back MVP knows how to fill up the stat sheet. Last season, he finished second in rebounds, averaging 13.8 rebounds per game. Expect the Joker to tally plenty more rebounds this upcoming season. As his team returns to health, he should have the help of wing defenders like Jamal Murray to disrupt shots and force misses for Jokic to rebound.
Rudy Gobert (+300) – Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert has been one of the best defenders in the NBA for several seasons. He is an elite rim protector, but he also rebounds very well. Last season, he averaged 14.7 rebounds per game, a league-high. He is certainly a contender to be the rebounding leader this season. However, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves and will now share the court with Karl-Anthony Towns. Expect Gobert’s rebounding numbers to drop a bit.
Joel Embiid (+1400) – Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid has become one of the best players in the league and there is an argument to be made that he is the best player at his position. His main skill is the attention he draws on offense, but his rebounding ability is underrated. Embiid has been one of the leading MVP candidates for the past two seasons. With the 76ers strengthening their roster around Embiid, expect him to have another career year, with more impressive numbers across the board.
Clint Capela (+1400) – Atlanta Hawks
Clint Capela is a sleeper to win the rebounding title this season. That is because his betting odds do not reflect his impressive rebounding ability. Last season, Capela averaged 11.9 rebounds per game, finishing fourth among league leaders. The season before that, he won the rebounding title, averaging 14.3 rebounds per game. In addition to defensive rebounding, Capela excels at grabbing offensive rebounds. Last season, he averaged 3.8 rebounds per game, the highest mark of any player on this list. With the Hawks adding a skilled defender in Dejounte Murray this offseason, the Hawks should be able to produce more misses on the defensive end, resulting in more rebounds for Capela.
2022-23 NBA Rebounds Leader Prediction

Nikola Jokic is my pick to be the rebounding leader for the 2022-23 NBA season. He continues to improve every season, filling up the stat sheet with incredible efficiency. He will certainly contribute in all areas this season, and he has a chance to win his third straight MVP award.
Along the way, he could also earn the rebounding title. Jokic has become one of the best players in the league in recent years. He makes the game look so easy. He should have no problem grabbing a considerable amount of rebounds this year.
2022-23 NBA Rebound Leader Betting Lines
Nikola Jokic +250
Rudy Gobert +300
Domantas Sabonis +650
Giannis Antetokounmpo +1000
Joel Embiid +1400
Clint Capela +1400
Jonas Valancuinas +1800
Jarrett Allen +2000
Wendall Carter Jr +2200
Jusuf Nurkic +2200
Deandre Ayton +2500
Bam Adebayo +3300
Robert Williams +3300
Christian Wood +4000
Nikola Vucevic +4000
Mitchell Robinson +5000
Jakob Poeltl +5000
Alperen Sengun +5000
Anthony Davis +5000
Steven Adams +6600
Ivica Zubac +6600
Luka Doncic +7500
Julius Randle +7500
Evan Mobley +7500
Kristaps Porzingis +7500
Karl-Anthony Towns +8000
Lauri Markkanen +10000