2025 NBA Draft Betting: Best Picks & Strategy

It’s time to discuss the best NBA draft betting and props! The NBA Draft is unlike any other for several reasons, and it’s one of the most unpredictable events in all of sports.

Teams will also deploy very specific strategies, which could include taking the best overall available player or drafting someone based on a certain team fit. Age is a bigger factor in the NBA draft than in any other sport. Some organizations will also occasionally draft players who they know are staying overseas, specifically so they don’t need to waste a roster spot.

All of the drama will unfold on Wednesday. Where will Ace Bailey get drafted? Will the 76ers take VJ Edgecombe? It’s going to be a long night at the Barclays Center.

Editor’s Note: Round 2 of the NBA draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. Bet all of Justin’s 2025 NBA Draft prop picks at FanDuel Sportsbook today to get the best odds!

2025 NBA Draft Prop Picks and Advice

In this article, I’ll break down my three favorite bets available for the NBA Draft. Let’s dive into it.

NBA Draft Betting – Ace Bailey

No. 3 Overall Pick

The NBA is supposedly split on Bailey, but I don’t fully believe that matters here. Before the college basketball season, Bailey was seen as the number two overall pick, who would be first if generational talent Cooper Flagg weren’t in this draft. Since then, teammate Dylan Harper jumped him.

I don’t question that. We know who’s going to go first and second overall, but I do question whether Bailey will fall behind others. He’s an elite talent, and I don’t expect his height without shoes to be a major issue.

The Philadelphia 76ers have two outstanding young guards in Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, but they’re lacking a high-level, young talent at the forward positions. It’s also entirely possible that Philadelphia trades this pick, and any team moving up is likely taking the chance on a player who can change their franchise, which is Bailey. This bet is one of the best NBA Draft prop bets of 2025.

Where to Bet: No. 3 Overall Pick: Ace Bailey | +270 at FanDuel Sportsbook

NBA Draft Betting – VJ Edgecombe

No. 4 Overall Pick

The Charlotte Hornets already have plenty of offensive talent between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Those are the cornerstones of the franchise, but they lack an elite defensive presence.

Edgecombe boasts incredible athleticism, and he’s coming into the NBA as a defensive player. He can contribute offensively when needed, but he’s going to bring elite energy and defensive skills to this team.

If Edgecombe is available here, he’s the perfect fit for what Charlotte needs to add to their roster.

Where to Bet: No. 4 Overall Pick: VJ Edgecombe | +190 at FanDuel Sportsbook

NBA Draft Betting – Kon Knueppel

No. 7 Overall Pick:

The New Orleans Pelicans already have several high-level players, and they aren’t likely looking for a potential “star” here. Instead, they’re looking to fill out their roster with what they need.

New Orleans lacks overall shooting around focal point Zion Williamson. Knueppel is arguably the best pure shooter in this draft, and he could immediately slide into the rotation. He’ll help spread the floor, and he isn’t a player who needs the ball in his hands at all times to impact the game.

Knueppel is the type of rotation player that the NBA loves, and it’s why he might not fall to this slot. If he’s available, I expect New Orleans to prioritize shooting here.

Where to Bet: No. 7 Overall Pick: Kon Knueppel | +270 at FanDuel Sportsbook

NBA Draft Betting – Collin Murray-Boyles

No. 10 Overall Pick

Murray-Boyles struggles to shoot, and it’s the main reason he isn’t likely to be a higher pick in this draft. He’s also a bit undersized, but his versatility is going to stick out to someone. He boasts elite defensive ability, and he can switch onto several positions.

It’s unlikely that CMB is selected before this pick, but he feels like the perfect fit for Houston. They already have multiple high-end scoring options, and they need a defensive big next to Alperen Sengun.

Murray-Boyles can slide into that defensive role without a major scoring role. He can also become a top option in the NBA if Houston can develop his shot.

Where to Bet: No. 10 Overall Pick: Collin Murray-Boyles | +500 at FanDuel Sportsbook

Editor’s Note: Like what you read? Check out more daily MLB betting props from Bales throughout the season!

Where and How to Watch the NBA Draft

What time is the NBA draft? – 8 p.m. ET
Where to watch the NBA draft? – ABC & ESPN

NBA Picks Results

2025 First Round:

1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg (F, Duke)
2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper (G, Rutgers) – son of former pro Ron Harper
3. Philadelphia 76ers – VJ Edgecombe (G, Baylor)
4. Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel (G, Duke)
5. Utah Jazz – Ace Bailey (G, Rutgers)
6. Washington Wizards – Tre Johnson (G, Texas)
7. New Orleans Pelicans – Jeremiah Fears (G, Oklahoma)
8. Brooklyn Nets – Egor Demin (G, BYU)
9. Toronto Raptors – Collin Murray-Boyles (F, South Carolina)
10. Phoenix Suns – Khaman Maluach (C, Duke) [via trade]
11. Memphis Grizzlies – Cedric Coward (F, Washington State) [via trade]
12. Chicago Bulls – Noa Essengue (F, France)
13. New Orleans Pelicans – Derik Queen (C, Maryland) [via trade]
14. San Antonio Spurs – Carter Bryant (F, Arizona)
15. Oklahoma City Thunder – Thomas Sorber (C, Georgetown)
16. Portland Trail Blazers – Yang Hansen (C, China) [via trade]
17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Joan Beringer (C, France)
18. Utah Jazz – Walter Clayton Jr. (G, Florida) [via trade]
19. Brooklyn Nets – Nolan Traoré (G, France)
20. Miami Heat – Kasparas Jakucionis (G, Illinois)
21. Washington Wizards – Will Riley (G, Illinois) [via trade]
22. Brooklyn Nets – Drake Powell (G, North Carolina) [via trade]
23. Atlanta Hawks – Asa Newell (F, Georgia) [via trade]
24. Sacramento Kings – Nique Clifford (G, Colorado State) [via trade]
25. Orlando Magic – Jase Richardson (G, Michigan State)
26. Brooklyn Nets – Ben Saraf (G, Israel)
27. Brooklyn Nets – Danny Wolf (F, Michigan)
28. Boston Celtics – Hugo González (G, Spain)
29. Charlotte Hornets – Liam McNeeley (G, Connecticut) [via trade]
30. LA Clippers – Yanic Konan Niederhauser (C, Penn State)