We publish independently audited content meeting strict editorial standards. Ads on our site are served by Google AdSense and are not controlled or influenced by our editorial team.
Explore the top NBA Draft best bets, including smart plays on Carter Bryant and Noa Essengue ahead of Wednesday night.
The 2025 NBA Draft may open with a familiar name—Cooper Flagg is expected to go No. 1—but the real betting value lies further down the board. Draft position over/unders offer a chance to take advantage of uncertainty, movement, and team preferences that aren’t always reflected in the odds.
This year’s class lacks a clear-cut order beyond the top few picks. Workouts have shifted rankings, agents are working the phones, and several teams could go in different directions depending on what unfolds early. We’ve identified two spots where the numbers from sportsbooks may be slightly off compared to what’s been reported or rumored around the league.
These are our top over/under position bets for draft night.
NBA Draft Position Over/Under Odds
Player
Over/Under
Over Odds
Under Odds
Asa Newell
16.5
-120
-110
Carter Bryant
11.5
+150
-200
Cedric Coward
14.5
-110
-120
Collin Murray-Boyles
14.5
+150
-190
Danny Wolf
22.5
-110
-120
Derik Queen
11.5
-110
-120
Egor Demin
14.5
-115
-115
Jeremiah Fears
6.5
-125
-125
Joan Beringer
16.5
-105
-125
Kasparas Jakucionis
11.5
+105
-135
Liam McNeeley
21.5
+105
-135
Maxime Raynaud
27.5
-110
-120
Noa Essengue
9.5
-200
+160
Nolan Traore
21.5
-125
-105
Thomas Sorber
17.5
+105
-135
Carter Bryant’s Rise
Carter Bryant’s rise over the past few weeks has pushed him firmly into lottery consideration.
While his stats at Arizona were modest, NBA teams are more focused on his size, shooting potential, and defensive versatility. He measured well at the combine and impressed in workouts, which has significantly improved his draft stock.
Phoenix at pick 10 and Portland at 11 are both possible landing spots, and some reports even suggest Toronto at 9 is considering him. If he falls past those teams, Atlanta at 13 is widely viewed as his floor—making this under a relatively safe play.
The price is steep at -200, but it’s backed by a strong trend in the market and increasing interest from teams in need of two-way wings. Bryant’s physical profile and performance in pre-draft settings have made him a clear candidate to come off the board early. I like this play on Bryant.
Best Bet #1: Carter Bryant Under 11.5 (-200)
Carter Bryant is projected to go anywhere from 9th-15th in tomorrow’s NBA Draft.
But Bryant isn’t worried about what number he’s picked.
“Nikola Jokic got drafted during a Taco Bell commercial and he’s the best player in the world… My only focus is to get better every day.” pic.twitter.com/NA4uie69GY
Noa Essengue’s upside is clear. He’s one of the most athletic forwards in the class, and at just 18 years old, there’s plenty of room to grow. But the combination of raw skill and a lack of consistency makes him more of a project than an immediate contributor.
Essengue has been projected anywhere from pick 9 to the mid-teens, but the key spot here is Toronto at No. 9. If the Raptors go in another direction—which appears increasingly likely—this bet gains serious value.
Toronto has been linked more to guards and playmakers than frontcourt athletes, and with a player like Scottie Barnes already locked in, there’s less urgency to take a similar type of wing. Recent reports suggest Essengue may slide slightly, which makes the over 9.5 worth a look at +160 odds.
The upside is there, but teams may prefer more polished options early in the lottery.
Best Bet #2: Noa Essengue Over 9.5 (+160)
Summary: Position Markets Offer Real Value on Draft Night
While most of the attention will be on the top three or four picks, sharp bettors know the best opportunities often come in the middle of the first round. In this draft, where team needs vary and workouts have reshaped opinions, over/under position props can provide an edge.
Carter Bryant looks poised to go inside the top 12, with multiple teams reportedly high on him. Noa Essengue, while talented, may fall just outside the top 10 due to his development curve and current roster fits.
As always with the NBA Draft, timing and information are everything. And if recent movement is any indication, these two bets could be among the strongest value plays on the board.
Asked Noa Essengue if there are any NBA players he studies or models his game after:
“I’d say guys like Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Kawhi. They can really do everything on the court. Play defense, dribble, shooting.” pic.twitter.com/5cWSMsvftS
Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots.
His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions.
A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.
