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 7-8

Our 2009 NBA Mock Draft of the lottery picks continues as we get to the middle of the lottery order. Next up in the guard-heavy draft are a couple of players with unique skill sets to offer to their new teams.

7. Warriors: Stephen Curry, G, Davidson

After averaging nearly 30 points per game at Davidson during his junior year, Curry finally decided to make the leap to the NBA Draft. His dead-eye shooting ability will fit right in with the Warriors lineup, particularly his range from behind the arc. Still, there are questions about Curry. His small build could get him into trouble defensively in the NBA, and it's uncertain how he'll adjust to not being the only one taking shots. Based solely on his ability to shoot the ball, though, Curry should be around in the league for a long time.

8. Knicks: Jrue Holiday, G, UCLA

The Knicks would have loved Curry at the eight spot, but Holiday makes for one heck of a consolation prize. Holiday could develop into one of the better defensive players in the league, but he needs to work on his jump shot if he wants to become a complete player. Like other guards in this draft, his defense is sometimes his best offense, and many of his buckets come via quick buckets in transition--something the Knicks love to do. If the Knicks miss out on Curry, they'll be please with Holiday, although they'll desperately yearn for Curry's shooting ability.

Our 2009 NBA Lottery Mock Draft continues over the weekend as we creep closer and closer to the real thing on Thursday. Check out the previous entries on the upper right hand side of this site.