NBA Draft 2025 Predictions and Betting Insights: Examining the Top 20 Picks' Prospects and Odds
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The 2025 NBA Draft rolls in on June 25th, starting at 8:00 pm ET. This year's draft class boasts a bunch of promising prospects, making for an entertaining night filled with drama and unpredictability. While Cooper Flagg (Duke) and Dylan Harper (Rutgers) seem like shoo-ins for their respective teams, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, the rest of the draft is up in the air.
Draft Night Anticipation
Ace Bailey's (Rutgers) camp is pushing for him to land in their preferred destination, leaving us all guessing where he'll end up in the Top 10. Add in trade rumors and surprise picks, and we're in for quite a wild ride. But don't let the uncertainty stop you from catching some value with your bets. I've already posted a few plays on the VSiN picks page, and more NBA Draft best bets will drop Wednesday morning.
In no particular order, here's a preview of my top 20 picks, complete with analysis and betting notes when applicable. Keep in mind, this isn't a mock draft, just my ranking of players based on expected NBA success.
The Top 20
1) Cooper Flagg (Duke) - 6'8′′, Wing
Analysis: With elite on-ball defense, excelling as a help-side presence, and the ability to guard multiple positions, Flagg is poised to be a foundational two-way player in the NBA. His ball-handling and shooting could improve further, setting the stage for stardom.
Betting: There isn't much value in betting on Flagg on draft night because of his -20000 odds to go first, implying a 99.5% probability. Even Rookie of the Year bets might not offer much value given the Mavericks' lineup.
2) Dylan Harper (Rutgers) - 6'5′′, Guard
Analysis: Harper is an imposing guard with a knack for scoring, creating opportunities, and flashes of shooting ability. His growth defensively, particularly off the ball, will determine his upper-tier potential.
Betting: Like Flagg, there's no draft-night value with Harper due to all the reliable reports of him being the Spurs' pick at No. 2. Additionally, Rookie of the Year bets may not be worthwhile given the current Spurs backcourt.
3) VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) - 6'4′′, Guard
Analysis: A defensive powerhouse with great athleticism, Edgecombe is tough at the point of attack and can space the floor with his shooting to a degree.
Betting: If Dallas remains at No. 3, Edgecombe might be their pick due to his defensive mentality complementing Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain in the backcourt. If somebody moves up for the third pick, Charlotte Hornets are rumored to be high on Edgecombe.
4) Tre Johnson (Texas) - 6'5′′, Guard
Analysis: Johnson's shooting is already elite, with an ability to hit from deep on the move, off the dribble, and off-the-catch. He's a versatile offensive player with high scoring upside.
Betting: Johnson presents some value as third or fourth overall picks offer +500 and +550 odds, respectively. Given his offensive talent, he could slide comfortably into a Championship contender's starting lineup.
5) Ace Bailey (Rutgers) - 6'8′′, Wing
Analysis: Bailey's erratic shot selection and varying defensive focus create uncertainties, but his raw tools and development curve haven't reached their peaks yet.
Betting: I'd recommend taking Bailey to go sixth at +225 odds since there are reports suggesting he wants to play in Washington. Philadelphia may be interested, but they might not take him that early if Washington remains available.
6) Derik Queen (Maryland) - 6'9′′, Center
Analysis: Queen excels as a skilled big with impressive touch around the rim, fantastic passing feel, and outstanding driving abilities. Improving conditioning, defensive awareness, and shooting range could elevate him.
Betting: Queen's higher bust factor raises concerns regarding his draft placement. Consider backing the Over on his draft position given his potential.
7) Kon Knueppel (Duke) - 6'5′otto;dr", Guard
Analysis: Knueppel is a polished offensive player, showcasing his elite shooting ability, quick release, and basketball IQ. He has some limitations due to average size and athleticism.
Betting: The Over on Knueppel's Draft Position of 5.5 offers good value as he's likely to be taken within the Top 6 and could potentially slide to the Hornets at 4 or even the Timberwolves, making the play at +220 worthwhile.
8) Egor Demin (BYU) - 6'8′′, Wing
Analysis: Demin showed promise early in the year but was more inconsistent against stronger competition. Still, there's much to appreciate with his size, playmaking ability, and scoring potential.
Betting: Demin's lack of Doncic-level upside reduces his value, but some teams like Atlanta and San Antonio highly value oversized creators. Safer to wager on the under for Demin's draft position of 14.5.
9) Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm) - 6'9′′, Forward
Analysis: Essengue is versatile, can handle the ball decently, finishes well inside, and has intriguing two-way potential.
Betting: Essengue's draft position O/U of 9.5 leans towards the under, supported by rumors of him leaving his team in the finals to be at the draft. A Toronto Raptors pick at No. 9 seems likely.
10) Khaman Maluach (Duke) - 7'1′′, Center
Analysis: Maluach is a defensive stalwart with rim-protecting capabilities and enough offensive potential to make him a valuable modern big.
Betting: Although Maluach likely to be the first center selected, the Suns are expected to trade up to take Evan Mobley. However, Maluach could fall due to a deep pool of centers, so consider the over for his draft position of 8.5.
11) Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina) - 6'7′′, Forward
Analysis: Murray-Boyles brings nonstop energy and defensive versatility, excelling as a rebounder, finisher, and connector.
Betting: Given the Suns' need for a power forward and Murray-Boyles' energy and tenacity, the under on his draft position of 14.5 seems wise. Portland, Atlanta, and San Antonio are other teams in play at later picks.
·12) Joan Beringer (Cedevita Olimpija) - 6'11", Center
Analysis: Beringer has intriguing two-way potential, with rim-protecting abilities and promising offensive development.
Betting: Despite being lesser-known, Beringer's potential suggests he could be an All-NBA caliber defender. Consider the under for his draft position of 17.5 and target teams like Oklahoma City and Minnesota, who may see value in stashing Beringer overseas.
13) Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma) - 6'3′′, Guard
Analysis: Fears is a dynamic offensive talent with explosive burst, an advanced handle, and the ability to score and facilitate.
Betting: While there's smoke around Fears going to the Jazz, it's hard to shake the feeling the under on his draft position of 7.5 is a sound bet.
14) Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois) - 6'5′′, Guard
Analysis: Jakucionis is a smart decision-maker with an excellent IQ, thriving in pick-and-roll situations. His size and shooting abilities offer advantages, but he must prove defensively capable.
Betting: Golding the over on Jakucionis' O/U draft position of 11.5 could be a smart play if teams like Toronto or the Blazers miss out on their preferred options, making Jakucionis an appealing consolation prize.
15) Cedric Coward (Washington State) - 6'5′′, Wing
Analysis: Coward's pre-draft performance impressed scouts, making teams reconsider him as a legit 3-and-D prospect. He brings long arms, switchability, and decent shooting.
Betting: Given the strong hype surrounding Coward, it might be risky to wager on the under for his draft position. However, Phoenix could be the perfect fit for Coward at No. 10, making that under an intriguing play.
16) Nolan Traore (Saint-Quentin) - 6'3′′, Guard
Analysis: Traore struggled in his pro seasons in France but still holds intriguing potential due to his scoring prowess and playmaking vision.
Betting: Consider the under on Traore's draft position of 21.5, as he's sliding in the ranks due to a rough season in France supporting rumors he could slip out of the first round.
17) Carter Bryant (Arizona) - 6'7′′, Wing
Analysis: Bryant is a modern wing with long arms, switchability, and the ability to knock down shots. His college year was strange, never finding a consistent role.
Betting: Given the Suns' interest in Bryant, the under on his draft position might hold value. Although he could be a star, his inconsistent college play may push him down the boards.
18) Asa Newell (Georgia) - 6'9′′, Forward
Analysis: Newell brings infectious energy,elemnt impact without relying on touches, strong finishing inside with great touch around the rim, and solid rebounding abilities.
Betting: Newell is rumored to be in the 76ers' or Blazers' range. Given Portland's need for a power forward, they could very well snatch Newell up before the 14.5-draft position cutoff. In this case, the under could be a smart play.
19) Jase Richardson (Michigan State) - 6'1′′, Guard
Analysis: Richardson brings skill, IQ, smart ball-handling, and takes good care of the ball. He competes defensively despite being undersized.
Betting: While FanDuel offers Richardson to go top 20 at +105 odds, betting on him might be too risky given his size concerns.
20) Danny Wolf (Michigan) - 6'11", Center
Analysis: Wolf doesn't fit the traditional center mold but excels as a high-level passer from the high post, adding a different pace to the game. Shooting consistency will determine his NBA role, with bust potential.
Betting: The over on Wolf's draft position presents more value compared to betting on him personally. Multiple teams are rumored to be interested in Wolf, so the over at 35.5 offers a safer wager.
Here are the sentences containing the given words:
1) Tuesday's exciting sports event is the NBA Draft, where sports enthusiasts can place bets for value, and the VSiN picks page offers a few plays.
2) Sports-analysis expert Ace Bailey's (Rutgers) camp is pushing for him to land in their preferred destination, leaving us all guessing where he'll end up in the Top 10 of the upcoming sports draft.
