The long awaited 2020 NBA Draft is right around the corner, and betting on the event is available for the first time in Tennessee.
This year’s rescheduled spectacle falls on Nov. 18, immediately following The Masters and landing mid football season.
DraftKings and BetMGM were two Tennessee sportsbooks quick to post lines for Wednesday’s virtual event.
2020 NBA draft odds
Countless mock drafts have attempted to predict the potential outcomes of the draft.
Unlike other years with an apparent first-pick leader, a trio of names are vying for the top spot in 2020.
LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman are all contenders.
The Minnesota Timberwolves hosted nineteen-year-old point guard LaMelo Ball to a private workout Wednesday night. This marked the first prospective team courting the international star.
Ball’s Thursday audience included coaches from the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons.
The Timberwolves have the first draft pick, while the Warriors are granted second, the Hornets third, and the Pistons seventh.
Lines at DraftKings have shifted to favor Ball over Georgia Bulldogs shooting guard Anthony Edwards.
Memphis Tigers center James Wiseman opened with +120 odds, but currently sits +700. Wiseman is expected to go top-three, and stated that the only two teams he has worked out for in-person so far are the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets.
When asked about what team he wants to play for, Wiseman said, “I would feel good, whatever team that picks me, I’m truly grateful for that.”
Current odds at DraftKings for first overall pick are:
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | -125 |
| LaMelo Ball | +112 |
| James Wiseman | +700 |
| Obi Toppin | +10000 |
| Deni Avdija | +20000 |
| Killian Hayes | +30000 |
| Onyeka Okongwu | +30000 |
| Cole Anthony | +50000 |
| RJ Hampton | +50000 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | +50000 |
| Isaac Okoro | +50000 |
| Precious Achiuwa | +75000 |
| Josh Green | +75000 |
| Aaron Nesmith | +75000 |
Ways to bet on the draft
Wagering on the top prospect is far from the only way to get in on draft action.
Additional markets are available at DraftKings including:
- Player draft position
- Picks 2-9
- Picks 10-19
- Picks 20-29
- Top 10 specials
- Conference specials
- School specials
BetMGM and Action 247 options comprise the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th overall pick as well as the over/under on individual draft positions.
Prop bets include the over/under on first round drafts from the:
- ACC
- SEC
- Big 10
- Big 12
- PAC-12
Predicting the over/under on top-10 international players is also available.
Currently, Tennessee sportsbooks are not offering event bonuses, though this could change before draft day.
Will LaMelo get the ball rolling in this year’s NBA Draft or be ousted by an underdog?
