Betting on the NBA Draft
Betting on the NBA Draft is becoming more and more popular every year. Thursday night marks the NBA Draft and as usual, Sportsbook.com has plenty of ways to wager on the NBA superstars of tomorrow.
Here are some of Sportsbook.com's betting odds for the 2010 NBA Draft, with analysis by Steve from StatFox:
Gordon Hayward - Will He be a Lottery Pick (Picked 1st to 14th)
Yes (Picked 1st to 14th): -250
No (Picked 15th or Later): +175
StatFox Steve's Analysis: In the five mock drafts, Heyward was picked no higher than 12th and off the lottery board in three of them. I believe coming from Butler will hinder his stock a bit from picking time. NO at +175 for me.
Patrick Patterson - Will He be a Lottery Pick (Picked 1st to 14th)
Yes (Picked 1st to 14th): -170
No (Picked 15th or Later): +130
StatFox Steve's Analysis: Patterson was projected as a lottery selection in four of the five mock drafts, averaging about 13th. However, I don't think he was all that productive in college and while nicely-sized at 6'-8", isn't a very good rebounder. NO once again.
Wesley Johnson - Over/Under Draft Position
Over 4.5 (+200)
Under 4.5 (-300)
StatFox Steve's Analysis: Johnson is a very athletic, prototype NBA small forward. His average draft position in the five mocks was 3.8 and in none of them did he drop below 4th. I'll say he goes to the Nets at #3.
DeMarcus Cousins - Over/Under Draft Position
Over 4.5 (-250)
Under 4.5 (+175)
StatFox Steve's Analysis: I don't quite understand why Demarcus Cousins is rated below Derrick Favors on almost every draft board I see, but he is. I'm not going to fight it. I believe it comes down to the two at #4 with the T-Wolves and they go with Favors. OVER 4.5.
Luke Harangody - Will He be a Draft Pick (1st or 2nd Round)
Yes -150
No +110
StatFox Steve's Analysis: If the draft were based upon college production, Harangody would be a Top 5 pick. Unfortunately for him it's not, and he is now on the fence for even getting selected. Still, I think his ability to score in a variety of ways, including getting to the line, will be the difference in hearing his name called. YES.
Jon Scheyer - Will He be a Draft Pick (1st or 2nd Round)
Yes -200
No +150
StatFox Steve's Analysis: Again...this draft is not about what you did in college, it's about what you can do as a pro. Scheyer is the perfect backup point guard and if Travis Deiner can make it in the NBA for many seasons, Scheyer certainly can. YES.
Player to get Drafted First
DeMarcus Cousins -200
Greg Monroe +150
Total ACC Players drafted in the 1st Round
Over 4.5 (-130)
Under 4.5 (+100)
StatFox Steve's Analysis: This prop all hinges on where Gani Lawal or Greivis Vazquez get picked. There's a good chance one of the two goes in the first round. With Favors, Aminu, Davis, and Alabi certain locks, I'll go with over 4.5 I guess.
Total Kentucky Players drafted in the Lottery (Picked 1st to 14th)
Over 2.5 (-150)
Under 2.5 (+110)
StatFox Steve's Analysis: Wall and Cousins are certified lottery players. I don't believe Patterson or Bledsoe are. UNDER 2.5 with favorable +110 odds.
Total College Seniors drafted in the 1st Round
Over 2.5 (even)
Under 2.5 (-140)
StatFox Steve's Analysis: This really is a sad state for college hoops when the best hope for the number of first round seniors to go is three. Vazquez of Maryland and Pondexter of Washington are likely #2 and #3. I don't think they both go. UNDER 2.5.
Total Duke Players drafted in the 1st and 2nd Round
Over 1.5 (even)
Under 1.5 (-140)
StatFox Steve's Analysis: Wow...another interesting prop that highlights a problem in college basketball. Two of the main players from the national championship game might not get drafted. I think Scheyer does, Brian Zoubek doesn't. UNDER.
Lance Stephenson - When Will He be Drafted
1st Round -140
2nd Round or NOT Drafted +100
StatFox Steve's Analysis: Having watched this guy a number of times at Cincinnati, I'm puzzled as to why his draft stock isn't higher. He seems to have a game suited nicely for the pro level. I'll say 1st round.
Head over to Sportsbook.com to see the rest of the betting odds on Thursday night's NBA Draft. Also be sure to enter the Mini-Mock Draft promotion for a chance to win an extra $1500.
