2009 NBA Draft Lottery Proposition Bets

We've looked at several 2009 NBA Draft proposition bets over the last few days, and are mostly going of off those posted at BetED. We've narrowed our search for probably winners down to six different props, two of which involve four players that are nearly locked in as lottery picks. With that in mind, we'll reveal those first.

This close to the actual draft, many of the betting options that are favored to win are favored for very good reasons, so you're going to be getting pennies on the dollar with many of these. Still, if you find enough that you like--and get enough right--you can make some nice change on the NBA Draft.

Both of the lottery props that stood out to us are "Which player will get drafted first" type of deals.

UConn center Hasheem Thabeet (-325) vs. Arizona State guard James Harden (+225)

At -325, it's tough to bet Thabeet, but it would be an enormous upset for Harden to go before him (even bigger than Harden's appealing money line suggests). Big men are at such a premium in this draft, and we still think Thabeet will be the second player off the board. It's much easier to find a guy who can do similar things to Harden then it is to find someone to bring the size and defense of a guy like Thabeet. If you're willing to put a decent amount on this one it could be worth your while.

Davidson sharpshooter Stephen Curry (-200) vs. Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn (+150)

This one is a little tougher, as indicated by the lower juice for Curry, but we have to go with the favorite in this one as well. Curry could go as high as the top five, though he probably won't. Flynn is rising fast, which makes us a little reluctant to pull the trigger on Curry, but in the end we think Curry has done nothing but help himself over the last few months and should be off the board before Flynn. All it takes is one team, though...

We'll have some more prop bets for you later in the day in preparation for the 2009 NBA Draft tonight, so stay tuned.

2009 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 9-10

The guards keep flying off the board as our 2009 NBA Mock Draft keeps flying by. The real draft takes place on Thursday, but until then make sure to check back as we continue to mock the 14 lottery picks in this year's NBA Draft.

9. Raptors: Demar DeRozan, G, USC

Even at the ninth pick, DeRozan is one of the most talented players in this draft. DeRozan has all the athletic ability in the world and is a steal here for the Raptors, who don't mind adding another versatile wing. The main knock on DeRozan has been his ability to want to dominate rather than simply be a good player. He has loads of untapped potential but some wonder if his lackluster work ethic will ever turn him into the player he could be. Still, at pick No. 9, DeRozan is worth the selection.

10. Bucks: Jonny Flynn, G, Syracuse

Many know Flynn as the leader of the six overtime game Syracuse played this season, and that certainly has helped his draft stock in the past few months. The Bucks would like to know him as the leader of their team, despite his small size. Flynn can make things happen offensively, and enjoys playing on the defensive end--a requirement for any player with the new Bucks regime. He should be able to overcome his small stature and develop into one of the better point guards in the league, even if he looks to score more than he looks to pass.

Our 2009 NBA Lottery Mock Draft will continue on Monday with more of our surely accurate predictions. Until then, be sure to check out the previous entries in the upper right hand side of this blog.