Now that the NBA Draft order is set, it’s 2023 mock draft time. Teams will be making their selections on Thursday. NBA Draft betting markets can be some of the most lucrative if you stay on top of news and take personal stands. We saw that last year when the Orlando Magic selected Paolo Banchero No. 1 overall after it was rumored that Jabari Smith Jr. would go first for the weeks leading up to the big day.
How To Bet The NBA Draft
When it comes to NBA Draft betting, there are several types of bets you can consider. Here are some common bet types associated with the NBA Draft.
Draft Position
This type of bet involves predicting the draft position of a specific player. For example, you might bet on whether a certain player will be selected within the top 5 picks or if they will fall outside the top 10 picks.
Player Matchups
In player matchups, you can bet on which player will be drafted higher between two specific prospects. Sportsbooks will pair up players, and you have to choose the one you think will be selected earlier.
Team Prop Bets
These bets involve predicting what a specific team will do during the draft. Examples include betting on whether a team will trade up or down in the draft, whether they will select a player from a particular college, or if they will draft a player at a specific position.
Draft Order
This type of bet involves predicting the exact order in which the players will be selected in the draft. It is a more challenging bet but can offer higher payouts.
Over/Under
Some sportsbooks may offer over/under bets on various draft-related metrics, such as the total number of players selected from a specific conference or college, the total number of international players drafted, or the total number of trades that occur during the draft.
Special Prop Bets
These are unique and specific bets related to the draft that can vary depending on the sportsbook. They might include bets on whether a specific player will be booed or cheered by the fans when selected. Another is whether a team will draft a player from a specific country.
It’s worth noting that the availability of specific bet types can vary depending on the sportsbook or online platform. Always check the available markets and odds before placing any bets.
Wembanyama Lock for No. 1 Pick
This year, it’s almost certain that international phenom Victor Wembanyama will go first overall to the San Antonio Spurs.
At 7-foot, 5-inches, Wembanyama is one of the most prestigious NBA prospects in recent memory. With ball-handling skills like a guard and a ridiculous wingspan, the 19-year-old put up 21.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 3.2 blocks in the French professional league and is expected to be a transcendent star at this level instantly.
All of a sudden, Gregg Popovich might want to coach another decade.
Best Bet: Wembanyama to win Rookie of the Year (-200 at BetRivers)
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Charlotte Scoops Up Scoot Henderson
Both Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller are in play for this pick and it appears as though the Charlotte Hornets are interested in both. The two young talents had multiple workouts with the team in advance of the Draft.
Even though LaMelo Ball is the team’s franchise player, Henderson is the best player on the board other than Victor Wembanyama. He would have been the clear top option if the big man wasn’t in this class. The only reason there’s any hesitation is due to Ball’s presence and I can’t see Charlotte passing on Henderson’s upside, even if Michael Jordan is still going to be presiding over all team operations through this Draft.
Best Bet: Second overall pick (-125, Bet365)
Brandon Miller Joins Damian Lillard in Portland
I’m one of the few people that don’t think the Portland Blazers are going to trade Damian Lillard. Instead, I think they’re going to build around him and try to reward his loyalty to the city and franchise. Portland has been searching and searching for a versatile wing for a while now and Brandon Miller would be the perfect addition to a core that consists of Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Nusuf Nurkic, and Shaedon Sharpe. Those five guys would be a really intriguing group to start together, too, but I won’t get ahead of myself. I think Miller is going to thrive in a setting where he’s not asked to create too much offense on his own. Lillard and Simons are elite offensive creators, he wouldn’t have too much pressure to instantly deliver 25-plus points a night.
Best Bet: Third overall pick (-120, Caesars)
Houston: Can I get an Amen (Thompson)
While the Thompson Twins both possess a ton of upside and nearly put up identical numbers in the G-League, it’s clear to me that Amen Thompson is the more polished scorer and facilitator. In my opinion, it would be a gigantic mistake to bring James Harden back to Houston, so I’m going to ignore that possibility (that would potentially complicate this pick). Ime Udoka could have the ability to coach a young core that consists of Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Kenyon Martin Jr., Josh Christopher, and Jae’Sean Tate. That would make up one of the most exciting young teams in recent NBA history, so I’m rooting for it to happen.
Best Bet: Thompson to be fourth overall pick (-125, Bet365)
Cam Whitmore Motors to Detroit
This is an example of a pick that fits perfectly. New Detroit Pistons coach Monty Williams has both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in his backcourt as well as James Wiseman, Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Stewart, and Jalen Duren in his frontcourt. Other than Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Livers, this team doesn’t have a single wing player on the roster. Bogdanovic is a trade possibility and is an offensive-first player, while Livers is a depth option. Whitmore could presumably come in and start immediately if Detroit doesn’t add any top-end talent outside of the draft. I love getting this at plus-money over at Bet365, too.
Best Bet: Whitmore to be a Top 5 pick (-143, Unibet)
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