
Top 10 highest PPG in NBA history – Michael Jordan tops the list
In NBA betting, the average points per game (PPG) is an important measure to evaluate a player’s scoring ability. The greatest scorers in history not only left their mark with impressive numbers but also showed stability and durability over many seasons. Analyzing the players with the highest PPG not only helps players better understand basketball legends but also provides an important basis for making reasonable betting choices. These players are often the focus of matches, playing a decisive role in determining the situation of individual and total points bets. Today, with Premiumsoccertips, let’s learn about the top 10 highest PPG in NBA history.
Top 10 highest PPG in NBA history
Top 10: Oscar Robertson – 25.6 points per game
Wilt Chamberlain is the highest PPG in NBA history, holding the all-time record of 30.1 points per game. Standing at 7’10” and with his athleticism, Chamberlain dominated the area under the basket and made scoring easy. He is the only legend in history to score 100 points in a game and had an incredible season with an average of 50.4 points. Not only did Chamberlain possess excellent scoring ability, he was also one of the most complete players, averaging more than 22 rebounds per game in his career.

When participating in NBA betting, players with high PPG like Chamberlain are often the top choice in individual bets, especially total point bets. With his consistent scoring ability, Over/Under bets based on his performance always have very high handicaps. Compared to today’s superstars, Chamberlain is a prime example of a game-changing player, giving bettors a solid foundation when analyzing individual odds or scoring odds of modern centers.2
Top 9: George Gervin – 26.1 points per game
George Gervin is one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history, with a soft but extremely dangerous playing style. The nickname “The Iceman” clearly reflects his cool, calm play, regardless of the defense he faces. Gervin is famous for his iconic “finger roll” shot, which allows him to score easily even against taller defenders. His agility and smooth ball handling ability make him one of the most versatile offensive players of his era.

In NBA betting, Gervin is the ideal player for individual odds, especially total points bets. He led the NBA in scoring for four seasons (three straight) and averaged over 30 points per game for several years, showing reliable consistency. For players with high scoring efficiency like Gervin, the Over/Under is always an attractive option, especially when compared to today’s top scoring guards like Kevin Durant or Devin Booker.
Top 8: Bob Pettit – 26.3 points per game
Bob Pettit was one of the NBA’s first great scorers, averaging 26.3 points per game over a decade-long career. Despite playing in a time when physicality and defensive tactics were not as developed as they are today, Pettit was still highly regarded for his well-rounded skill set, including the ability to score from multiple positions on the court and a powerful playmaking style. He was one of the first players to dominate the area under the basket with a combination of athleticism, agility and excellent finishing technique.

With two NBA scoring leads (25.7 and 29.2 PPG) and never having a season below 20.4 points per game, Pettit is a solid choice for individual bets when it comes to consistency. Players who can consistently score at a high level like Pettit are often ideal Over/Under targets, especially when compared to modern forwards with similar styles like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Anthony Davis. Pettit is not only a legend, but also an important role model to analyze when betting on players with a style that favors scoring in the trapezoid.
Top 7: Allen Iverson – 26.6 points per game
Allen Iverson is one of the highest ppg in NBA history single season, despite being only 1m83 tall – shorter than the average of the league. With speed, top ball handling techniques and diverse finishing ability, Iverson became a nightmare for every defense. He led the Philadelphia 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals almost single-handedly, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 with an impressive 48-point performance. Although he never won a championship, Iverson is still considered one of the most talented and influential players in basketball history.

In terms of NBA betting, Iverson is the ideal player for individual bets, especially total bets. He led the league in scoring 4 times and had 4 seasons averaging over 30 points per game – proof of the stability when betting on the Over. For players with a similar playing style to Iverson, such as Stephen Curry or Kyrie Irving, players can apply a similar betting strategy, based on their scoring pace and their role as the main attacker in the lineup.
Top 6: Kevin Durant – 27.0 points per game
Kevin Durant is one of the most complete scorers in NBA history, possessing a diverse shooting ability from all positions on the court. From the early years of his career, Durant showed his superiority when he became the youngest player to win the NBA Golden Boot at the age of 21, in just his third season. Standing at 6’10” tall but with the ball-handling and finishing skills of a defender, Durant is a constant threat to any defense, especially with his ability to shoot from long range and create space with one-on-one shots.

In NBA betting, Durant is an ideal player for individual bets, especially total bets. Having led the NBA in scoring four times, averaging over 27 points per game in his career and being a member of the 50/40/90 club (50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT), he is a reliable choice in Over/Under bets. Players with a well-rounded scoring style like Durant tend to have a higher Over percentage in important games, especially when compared to current top scorers like Jayson Tatum or Devin Booker.
Join the leading online bookmaker to enjoy a variety of bets and attractive promotions.
Top 5: Jerry West – 27.0 points per game
Jerry West is one of the best scorers in NBA history, averaging 27.0 points per game in his career. Despite not having much luck when facing the mighty Boston Celtics dynasty, leading to a forgettable record of 9 defeats in the NBA Finals, West is still considered a symbol of perseverance and competitive spirit. Not only is he a great scorer, but he is also a tenacious defender with excellent defense and accurate shooting. He is especially famous for his decisive shots, to the point that his image has become the NBA logo.

In NBA betting, West is an ideal model for analyzing individual bets, especially total points bets and playoff performance bets. He has many seasons averaging over 30 points and always plays explosively in important matches. With players with similar styles such as Stephen Curry or Damian Lillard – who not only score excellently but also shine in decisive moments – players can apply the Over/Under betting strategy based on their consistency and clutch playing ability.
Top 4: LeBron James – 27.1 points per game
LeBron James is one of the most complete players in NBA history, but it’s amazing that he also averages 27.1 points per game – ranking fourth on the list of leading scorers by PPG. Over the course of more than two decades, LeBron has not only been a scorer but also a playmaker, a tempo-setter and a contributor on both ends of the court. While he’s not considered a pure “point machine” like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, he’s still incredibly prolific and remains a top offensive threat for every team he’s played for.

In addition to his high scoring average, LeBron has also shot 50.9% of the time – an impressive number for a small forward, especially considering he’s not only a close shooter but also a long-range shooter. This makes him an attractive choice in individual bets, especially total points bets. In important matches or when the team needs him to carry more, LeBron tends to explode in terms of points, making the Over bet a worthy choice. In addition, with a comprehensive playing style, players can consider additional bets such as total assists or total rebounds, because he is the type of player who can influence many aspects of the match. With the ability to maintain his class for many years, LeBron James is not only a legend but also an important factor in NBA betting analysis.
Top 3: Elgin Baylor – 27.3 points per game
Elgin Baylor is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, but at the same time, he is one of the unluckiest stars. Despite playing excellently throughout his 13-year career, he was unable to win an NBA championship. Ironically, he was forced to retire early in the 1971-72 season due to injury – just as the Los Angeles Lakers finally won a title. Because he did not play enough games that season, he was ineligible for a championship ring, which made his story all the more unfortunate.

Despite his lack of titles, Baylor is still considered one of the most complete and dangerous offensive players of his era. With a career average of 27.3 points per game, he was one of the most consistent scorers in history. Notably, Baylor had seven consecutive seasons of at least 24.9 points per game and averaged 38.3 PPG in the 1961-62 season – one of the most impressive numbers at the time. In NBA betting, explosive scorers like Baylor are often the ideal choice for Over/Under total points bets. Matches where they take on a key role in the lineup often have a higher Over potential, similar to how modern superstars like Kevin Durant or Jayson Tatum can shoulder the scoring responsibility for their team.
Top 2: Wilt Chamberlain – 30.0 points per game
Who has the highest PPG in NBA history? Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest scorer in NBA history in terms of career scoring average. With a height of 7 feet 10 inches, outstanding strength and extraordinary physique, he dominated the league in an unprecedented way. Not only was he a basketball legend, Chamberlain also had a successful career in professional volleyball and was even invited back to the NBA at the age of 51. He owns 72 NBA records, including 68 personal records – so many records that it is difficult for anyone to break, even in the modern basketball era.

Chamberlain’s scoring records are virtually unassailable, including averaging 50.4 points per game in a season, scoring over 4,000 points in a season, and most notably, his legendary 100-point game – a milestone that still stands more than half a century later. With his unstoppable scoring ability, he is the ideal model when analyzing individual odds in NBA betting. Dominating players like Chamberlain, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid, are often attractive options for the Over total, especially when they face teams with weak defenses. Bettors can learn from Chamberlain’s history to determine the scoring trends of modern superstars and optimize their betting strategies.
Top 1: Michael Jordan – 30.1 points per game
No list of great scorers would be complete without Michael Jordan, who is widely considered the GOAT. With his killer instinct and relentless competitive spirit, Jordan dominated the NBA from the early years of his career until his retirement. He was a nightmare for every defense, with his all-around offensive skills, ability to score from any position, and explosiveness in decisive moments. Not only that, Jordan was also one of the most competitive players in basketball history, which made him an irreplaceable legend.

Jordan holds the record for 10 Golden State Warriors titles – the most in NBA history. Even more amazingly, he led the league in scoring average for 7 consecutive seasons, then took a break, returned and continued to win 3 more consecutive scoring titles. This record shows Jordan’s absolute dominance in all periods. With incredible consistency, Jordan is the ideal model in NBA betting when considering high-scoring players. Stars like Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry are often compared to Jordan in terms of scoring ability, and in betting, the Over bet with players who are as consistent as Jordan in his prime is always a worthy choice.
Wrapping Things Up
The highest PPG in NBA history not only leave their mark with outstanding scoring ability but also bring attractive betting opportunities. Studying their performance gives bettors an advantage when placing bets, especially in predicting the total points and individual odds of current superstars. In a league where scorers play a key role, understanding history and applying data to betting strategies will help bettors make informed decisions, maximize their chances of winning bets and fully enjoy the drama of the NBA.
See also: List of top 10 NBA rebound leaders