2019 NBA Draft Prop Bets have been released, and Nick Ballistreri previews some of his favorite prop bets for Thursday’s draft.
With the NBA offseason upon us, fans and bettors everywhere are anxiously awaiting the events of the coming months. This week, on Thursday June 20, the NBA Draft will take place. Draftkings Sportsbook has released some NBA Draft props, and every year, it is important to separate the truth from the rumors. This time of year, you read reports everyday about teams being interested in certain players, and this certainly affects their draft stocks. Below, I’ll be looking at some players with interesting prop bets attached to them, and some value plays to take advantage of.
NBA Draft Player Props
Cam Reddish, Duke
Cam Reddish, the forward out of Duke University, is a tantalizing prospect. Just a year earlier, Reddish was seen as a surefire top 5 pick. He has the size, tools, and shooting skills to be an elite player at the next level. Playing at Duke, a team with two other prospects (Zion Williamson & RJ Barrett), that handled the bulk of the responsibility on the Duke team made Reddish take a backseat. He still had a solid season, averaging 13.5 PPG and 3.7 RBG on a team that was a #1 seed in the tournament. He had some huge games as well, scoring a season-high 27 points against rival UNC, as well as a buzzer-beating game-winner against Florida State. Put simply, Reddish can ball.
Draftkings has given Reddish a prop bet of Over/Under 7.5, with his over at -143 and his under at +115. I think there is a ton of value in playing Reddish at his over. Although he is a great prospect, there is not much traction for him being picked in the top 7 of the draft. There are a number of scenarios that can see Reddish falling out of the top-10 entirely as well. This is not to say that Reddish will not be a good player at the next level, but when it comes to looking for value plays in this draft, play Reddish at Over 7.5.
Pick: Reddish Over 7.5 -143 @ Draftkings
Nassir Little, UNC
Nassir Little is a forward from the University of North Carolina. Like Reddish, he is another fascinating prospect, with the athletic tools to succeed at the next level. Coming into the season, Little was ranked top-3 in his high school class, and was also seen as a surefire top-5 pick. At North Carolina, Little was playing on a loaded roster filled with veterans, and couldn’t crack the starting lineup. He played as a 6th man for most of the year, continuing to make plays and show he can play at the next level.
Draftkings has given Little a prop bet of Over/Under 10.5. Now, this seems weird to me. Little has fallen down draft boards, and is seen as a late teens pick, not early. I don’t see him being picked before 11, and rather think that he may fall out of the lottery entirely. Little’s Over 10.5 is valued at -143 as well, and this is a tremendous value. Unless something shocking happens, Little will not hear his name called before 11.
Pick: Little Over 10.5 -143 @ Draftkings
Keldon Johnson, Kentucky
Keldon Johnson is a 6’6 combo guard from Kentucky. He is a fearless scorer and showed leadership capabilities in his lone year at UK, leading Kentucky to the Elite 8. Johnson has the tools to be a playmaker at the next level, and has the height to compete on the wing on the defensive end.
Draftkings has given Johnson a prop bet of Over/Under 18.5. Johnson has been pegged by some as a potential lottery pick, and even if he doesn’t make it in the lottery, I can see teams such as the Detroit Pistons or Orlando Magic, who pick 15 and 16, targeting Johnson as a guard they can develop into a starter down the road. Johnson’s Under 18.5 is in play for me, valued at +106.
Pick: Johnson Under 18.5 +106 @ Draftkings
The NBA Draft is a fun time for everyone involved. Players get a chance to experience their life-long dream of getting drafted into the NBA, and fans everywhere can picture their favorite teams turning their picks into future stars down the road. This draft is seen as top heavy, with Zion Williamson the surefire #1 pick, followed by Ja Morant and RJ Barrett. I expect this draft to have fireworks, with many trades taking place as teams will try and move around to get their guys, especially since the draft seems to flatten out after the top 3 picks. Expect a fun one!
