How To Bet on the NBA Draft: Odds, Predictions and Tips

How To Bet on the NBA Draft: Odds, Predictions and Tips
With the 2022 NBA Season coming to its conclusion last week, with another Golden State Warriors Championship, it is now time to look ahead to the 2023 season. There is always excitement around a sporting draft, and the 2022 NBA Draft is no different, as fans, GM's, coaches and fellow players all pin their hopes on the latest stars arriving at their franchise.
The Orlando Magic have the #1 pick this year, and there has already been a ton of movement on who they will select. So let us take a look at what to expect in this draft, as well as the best offers available to you, to bet on this huge event.
2022 NBA Draft Preview
The battle for the No.1 pick was originally slated to be a two-man race between Gonzaga’s, Chet Holmgren and Auburn’s, Jabari Smith Jr.
Once the Magic were announced as the lottery pick winners, Jabari Smith Jr was quickly installed as a favorite to land with them, as the No.1 Pick, but things have changed recently!
Duke's Paolo Banchero is getting some late steam, and his odds to go first overall now sit at just -190, and all of a sudden he's the guy slated to go 1st!
Smith Jr is now out to +145, and Holmgren is now unlikely to be a factor for the first overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, based on his +850 odds.
After these three guys, there are still some names to watch out for, with Jaden Ivey in particular considered a potential steal in this draft. Other names to watch include, Keegan Murray, Shaedon Sharpe, and Bennedict Mathurin.
Common Betting Lines for the 2022 NBA Draft
When betting on the 2022 NBA Draft, these are the most common betting lines you will see, as people look to make money in a variety of ways. The obvious focus of attention revolves around the No.1 pick, but based on recent information, that may now be a two-horse race. The good news is, if you do think that is the case, you could claim the FanDuel promo code today and get a $1000 sweat-free bet on the NBA Draft, make your pick and if it ends up going to other way, you will get your money back!
First Overall Pick Odds
Here are the current odds for the No.1 Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Below are the current First Overall Pick Odds
Paolo Banchero (-190)
Jabari Smith Jr (+145)
Chet Holmgren (+850)
Jaden Ivey (+15000)
Click Here for a complete list of the odds for the first overall pick.
These odds will continue to shift as the draft draws closer, but has Jabari Smith Jr done enough to potentially be worth an outside bet on him still going #1?
If you think that is the case, why not claim this DraftKings promo code now, and get a deposit bonus up to $1000 now, so you can bet big?
Fifth Overall Pick Odds
The Detroit Pistons hold this pick. They are coming off a year where it seemed like they hit on Cade Cunningham, and if they can get this pick right as well, the Pistons could all of a sudden turn it around, and potentially become a playoff team.
Here are the odds for the 5th overall pick, which currently belongs to the Pistons.
Keegan Murray +130
Bennedict Mathurin +200
Jaden Ivey +225
Shaedon Shapre +600
Keegan Murray being slightly favored makes sense here, but Bennedict Mathurin is certainly catching some attention here as well.
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Team’s First Pick
Another popular market to bet on in the NBA Draft is an individual team’s first selection. Diehard fans of their teams do a lot of research about who their team likes out of all of the prospects. From that, they may like to find their respective team and bet on who they will select. For example, the New York Knicks really need to hit on their draft pick this year, and currently hold the 11th pick in the draft.
With the 11th pick, the Knicks will are on the outside looking in, in terms of the very best players, but if they move up, which they supposedly discussed with the Pistons, they could get a star player.
Let’s take a look at the odds for the Knicks' 1st Pick of the draft.
A.J. Griffin +400
Johnny Davis +450
Malaki Branham +500
Jaden Ivey +800
There is a real intrigue about what the Knicks do, and a lot would depend on whether they move up. The odds reflect how many different directions they could go in with their pick, but if they can move up, Jaden Ivey may well be a live selection.
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Longshot Bets for the NBA Draft?
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In-Play Betting
Similar to making a March Madness bracket, draft predictions, and mock drafts are usually thrown out the window by pick 10. Luckily, most sportsbooks are offering live in-play betting so you can pivot your wagers on the fly and make the most of the big value picks as the draft unfolds. Keep your eyes locked on your favorite sportsbooks NBA Draft page and see if you can find any steals as the excitement commences.
How to bet on the NBA Draft FAQs
When does the NBA Draft Start?
The first round of the 2022 NBA Draft is due to start at 7:30 pm Eastern tonight (June 23rd).
How can I watch the NBA Draft?
The entirety of the 2022 NBA Draft will be broadcast on ESPN as well as streamed on the ESPN app, ABC.com and the ABC app.
Tom Jacobs is the host of the Lost Fore Words golf podcast and has been writing betting articles on golf for the past decade. Tom also co-hosts the DP World Tour Picks & Bets show on the Mayo Media Network, so has his finger on the pulse on all the major Tours. A long-suffering Nottingham Forest fan, Tom also enjoys watching Soccer at the weekend, and was delighted to see his Forest team win promotion this season!