The NBA is one of the most popular sports leagues on the planet. With millions of people tuning into the action throughout the season, the NBA naturally attracts plenty of attention from sports bettors.
Most people stick to wagering on individual games, but did you know that you can also bet on the NBA draft? Of course, betting on NBA games is always fun, but wagering on the draft can take the excitement to a whole new level.
If you want to learn about NBA draft betting, you have certainly come to the right place. Below, you will find useful information about all the top betting markets for the NBA draft.
NBA Draft Betting Markets Explained
Here are some of the most popular ways to bet on the NBA draft every year:
First Overall Pick in the Draft
This is arguably the most popular NBA draft betting market out there. Much like picking the winner of a motorsport or horse race, this market enables you to wager on the player that you believe will be selected first in the draft.
Ahead of every draft, most sportsbooks provide odds for the top 10-20 prospects that year. To give yourself that best possible chance of choosing the right player, it pays to analyze all the candidates and base your pick on solid research.
Some bookies will also release odds on which player will be selected 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th overall.
Player Draft Position
Not only can you bet on the first overall pick, but you can also bet on when players will be selected in the draft. For example, a sportsbook may offer odds for “Player A” to be selected before or after the third pick. A lot of players in the draft will have draft position props available to bet on.
NBA Player Props Betting Guide
Number of International Players Drafted
This NBA draft betting market is very simple to understand. Indeed, all you need to do is predict how many international players will be selected in the draft.
Some sportsbooks will allow you to wager on different brackets (such as 0-4 or 5-9), while others will set an over/under limit (such as over/under 4.5). Be sure to shop around to find the best option for you.
Who Will Be the First Point Guard Drafted?
When it comes to betting on the NBA draft, one of the most exciting options involves wagering on the first point guard to be selected. Many sportsbooks have options for other positions as well, meaning you can bet on the first shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center to be drafted.
Will Any First Round Pick Be Traded?
In addition to obtaining players, teams can also trade picks during the draft. Accordingly, many sportsbooks allow you to wager on any first-round pick being traded. This NBA draft betting market gives you two options – yes or no.
Which Player Will a Team Pick First?
This market enables you to bet on which player each team selects with their first pick. Just like the previous two options, this is an exciting NBA draft prop. It’s worth exploring both the regular markets and props when it comes to wagering on the draft.