The NBA Finals just ended, and now we're looking at the next year. The NBA Draft is tonight, which is one of my favorite sports days. I love the NBA and college basketball, and tonight they come together. This gives teams a chance to improve their players and maybe find a star. It also gives us a chance to bet and win money. The NBA Draft is exciting because it's where teams can change their future. The draft is a big deal for teams and fans. It's a time of hope and possibility.

AJ Dybantsa said he would join the NBA Draft at an event in Massachusetts on April 23, 2026.

The Obvious Picks

The first three picks will likely be AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Dybantsa will probably go to the Wizards as the first pick. There's no good reason to bet on him at -700. However, betting on Peterson at -250 to be the second pick might be a good idea. If Dybantsa wasn't in the draft, Peterson would likely be the first pick. The top three picks are pretty clear, but after that, it gets interesting. The order of the top three picks is likely to be Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer.

Cameron Boozer is a good player, but people question how good he'll be in the pros. He might go to the Grizzlies as the third pick. His dad, Carlos Boozer, used to play for the Jazz. If someone unexpected gets picked second, it could be Boozer. However, Peterson is thought to be the better player.

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Caleb Wilson from North Carolina will probably go to the Bulls. The top four picks are almost set. If any of these four aren't in the top four, it would be Boozer.

Keaton Wagler of the Illinois Fighting Illini plays against Isaia Howard of the Iowa Hawkeyes during a tournament game in Texas on March 28, 2026.

What To Bet

I think Keaton Wagler will be picked before 7.5. Two teams have talked about Wagler - the Clippers at fifth and the Nets at sixth. Most reports say Wagler is a better fit for the Clippers if they keep their pick. If they trade it, who will trade up to pick Wagler? There aren't three better players than him in the draft. He's -290 to be picked seventh or lower, which is expensive, but still a good bet. I'm not saying this is a great bet, but there's value in it.

Aday Mara might go to the Dallas team that owns the ninth pick. This makes sense because they need a center and their new coach knows Mara from college. If Dallas doesn't pick him, he might be picked much later. I think it's better to bet that he'll be picked after 9.5.

Yaxel Lendeborg might be picked 15th. The Bulls are interested in him, and he fits their team well. He can shoot, drive, rebound, and defend, but not at an elite level. I can see him being picked later, but this would be a good spot for him.

Yaxel Lendeborg plays for the Michigan Wolverines and reacts after being fouled during a game against the Tennessee Volunteers in Chicago on March 29, 2026.

Darius Acuff is a player that people have different opinions about. He's very good at scoring, but there are many good guards in this draft. Acuff has had a good college coach, but his height might be a problem. If you can bet on him being picked after 7.5, that might be a good bet. He might go to the Kings, which would be a good fit.

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For tonight, there aren't many great betting opportunities. I like Keaton Wagler being picked before 7.5. Yaxel Lendeborg being picked 15th is also a good bet. Aday Mara being picked after 9.5 is another good option. Shop around for the best odds.

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