NBA Draft Prop Bets: We are just days away from the 2020 NBA Draft, the unofficial kickoff to the 2020-2021 season.
We will likely see a ton of player movement, surprise picks and trades over the next few days as NBA franchises get ready for the upcoming season.
Today, we’re looking at our three favorite prop bets ahead of the NBA Draft.
(Note: All odds are courtesy of SugarHouse New Jersey sportsbook.)
NBA Draft Prop Bets
James Wiseman to be selected at No. 2 (+145)
The Golden State Warriors could easily trade the No. 2 pick for a veteran ahead of the NBA Draft. But if a team is trading into that spot, look for them to potentially target James Wiseman, the center from Memphis.
Even if Golden State stays at No. 2, Wiseman would make a ton of sense on their current roster given their lack of size in the frontcourt.
At 7-foot1, 237 pounds, Wiseman is the perfect big man for today’s NBA. He’s incredibly athletic and can be used right away as a rim-runner and defensive force.
There just aren’t that many players out there with his size and talent level, and NBA teams won’t let him fall far.
Wiseman needs to improve on his jumper and range, but his ability to immediately add value on pick-and-rolls, lobs, and dunks makes him a worthy candidate for the No. 2 pick. He can help a team like the Warriors right away with his energy and rebounding ability.
Don’t be afraid to bet on Wiseman here, especially considering the value.
Under 2.5 Duke players to be selected in the first round (-835)
If you are a North Carolina fan (like me) and love to root against Duke, here is your chance once again.
Duke didn’t have a ton of talent last season on their roster, and you’re unlikely to hear the names of many Blue Devils called in the first round. There is even a remote chance that no Duke players are drafted inside the top 25 of the draft.
The only potential candidates for the Blue Devils are Vernon Carey, Cassius Stanley and Tre Jones. Look for Carey to potentially sneak in the first round of the draft, but ultimately under 2.5 Blue Devils selected in Round 1.
Anthony Edwards to be the No. 1 pick (+155)
For whatever reason, I’m not sold that LaMelo Ball is going to be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. There are just too many questions about his shooting efficiency and defensive ability to make him the top pick in the draft.
He had only a 42% effective field goal percentage last season, and his poor free-throw shooting is a sign that he’s just not ready to be a proven scorer in the NBA.
There are just far too many negatives and too much risk for Ball to be the first pick in this class.
So if you are searching for a player with better odds and maybe a better fit at No. 1 to the Timberwolves, considering betting on Georgia guard Anthony Edwards.
Edwards needs to work on his jump shot, but his ability to score the basketball is already proven. He’s got rare size and strength for a guard and is a nightmare to stop on fastbreaks. He might not be the most proven shooter right now, but his ability to get to the hoop and score the basketball efficiently makes him a high-floor prospect.
Edwards would fit better with the Timberwolves’ current personnel as he can play off the ball with D’Angelo Russell. Edwards might just be the best overall player in this class and is a value at +155 to be the No. 1 pick. Don’t be surprised if Adam Silver calls Edwards’ name first on Wednesday night.
