5 prop bets to liven up NBA draft night
The NBA Finals may have just ended, but the league once again takes center stage on Thursday for the 2018 draft in New York City.
This year's edition features a fairly deep class, full of elite college talent and big-time prospects from Europe.
Not content just to sit and watch? Here are five prop bets that will liven up the evening and hopefully put some cash in your wallet.
Luka Doncic draft position
3rd or worse: -300
2nd or better: +240
The Slovenian superstar is arguably the greatest European teenager of all time and considered by many to be the best player in this draft. Despite his incredible resume, it doesn't appear the Phoenix Suns are interested in him with the top pick, as Deandre Ayton appears to be the player who has caught their eye. Should that happen, it will be up to the Sacramento Kings or Atlanta Hawks to pull the trigger on the Real Madrid standout and cash this bet. If they don't, a solid return of +240 awaits.
Trae Young draft position
8th or worse: -120
7th or better: -110
The most electrifying player in the country last season at the collegiate level is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. Young certainly has the skills to be a standout performer at the NBA level, but his slight frame and struggles on defense could prove too much to overcome. On talent alone, Young is a top-5 player in the draft but could slide due to his size. The short prices on both sides show that even the books aren't too sure when his name will be called.
Will Grayson Allen be a first-round pick?
Yes: -170
No: +140
Allen has spent the last four seasons as college basketball's biggest villain for Duke, and now the high-flying guard is ready for the pro ranks. Most publications have Allen as a late first-round, early second-round selection, so the prices here are fairly accurate. Allen's athleticism and solid shooting will likely have done enough to impress a team, so watch for him to be gone by the time the second round begins.
Will LiAngelo Ball get drafted?
No: -4000
Yes: +1400
Take one look at the price here and it's clear that nobody other than his father, LaVar, thinks LiAngelo is getting drafted. That being said, with a monster +1400 price on it, why not throw a buck or two down and rub it in your friend's faces should it happen. It's probably a better investment than Big Baller Brand shoes, right?
How many Villanova players selected in first round?
Two: +100
Three: +110
Four or more: +750
One: +1000
Zero: +5000
With two national championships in three seasons, it makes sense that Villanova could see a bunch of players from its storied program drafted on Thursday. Mikal Bridges is a first-round lock, and most pundits see Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo drafted toward the end of the opening round. In order for the Wildcats to hit four players in Round 1, Omari Spellman, a versatile big man who can stretch the floor with pinpoint shooting, will most likely have to go. At +750, it might be worth a value bet.
(Props courtesy: Betonline.ag)
(Photos courtesy: Getty)