Before the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, Auburn product Jabari Smith was a slight favorite to go No. 1 overall. Once the Magic were gifted the pick, his price tag jumped to -115. But how did Smith’s NBA draft odds change after a report was released Tuesday morning?
NBA Draft Odds: Smith Likely To Magic?
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, a well-respected NBA draft insider, noted in his latest column that the 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward is the undoubted favorite to be the first overall pick. As a result his odds spiked to as high as -210 at Caesars Sportsbook.
“While Magic executives have made it clear they will conduct a thorough process — even extending beyond the widely believed top three prospects in Smith, Holmgren and Paolo Banchero — most NBA teams firmly believe that’s a formality and that Smith is all but assured to become the top pick,” Givony said. “Smith, for his part, appears thrilled with that development. So is Holmgren over his looming marriage with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is also the overwhelming expectation from NBA executives with whom we spoke at the draft combine.”
A betting market hasn’t been released for the Thunder’s No. 2 pick. However, Holmgren is expected to be a hefty favorite in that department.
Keep in mind, information and NBA draft odds could very well change in the coming weeks. There are already mock drafts that have Orlando taking the rawer prospect of the two. Nevertheless, the Magic don’t possess a four-man who can score at all three levels, and Smith represents a more reliable selection because of Holmgren’s lean frame.
Below are the NBA draft odds for the No. 1 overall pick across all sportsbooks. Click on the odds to place a bet.
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