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Written by Steve Hasting
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Tuesday, 24 June 2008
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 Basketball bettors get their final shot at getting in the action this Thursday evening as the NBA Draft will officially close the door on an eventful NBA season. Nationally televised on ESPN, Sportsbook.com is offering more NBA Draft props and odds than ever and for the first time will be offering In-Running action during a portion of the 1st Round.
Also be sure to put your GM skills to the test in the Mini-Mock Draft promotion; the participant that correctly predicts the most Lottery picks in order, could win up to $7000.
Sportsbook.com’s Mini-Mock NBA Draft Props and Odds:
1. Chicago Bulls- Derrick Rose, Memphis
It will be hard to pass up the athletically gifted playmaker who almost led the Tigers to the NCAA Championship as a freshman. Add in the fact that he grew up in Chicago, and he’s the heavy favorite to walk to the podium first. Odds to go #1: 1-7
2. Miami Heat- Michael Beasley, Kansas State
The Heat crave Rose and if he’s not available, don’t be surprised if they trade down. If they stay pat, it would be hard to pass on a scoring/rebounding machine like Beasley.
Odds to go #1: 7-2
3. Minnesota Timberwolves- O.J. Mayo, USC
Mayo is the best player on the board; however, the T-Wolves probably need more help in the frontcourt. A trade down is a strong possibility as plenty of teams would love to have the high-scoring Mayo. Odds for 3-4-5 picks to go Mayo-Bayless-Lopez: 5-2
4. Seattle SuperSonics- Jerryd Bayless, Arizona
The Sonics could go in a number of directions but their two biggest needs are center and point guard. Brook Lopez could get some consideration here but the pick will ultimately come down to Bayless or Russell Westbrook from UCLA. Odds for 3-4-5 picks to go Lopez-Bayless-Mayo: 7-2
5. Memphis Grizzlies- Kevin Love, UCLA
The Grizzlies have plenty of talented young perimeter players so they should be looking for immediate help in the post. Love has great fundamentals, a very good low-post game, is an outstanding passer and has underrated athletic ability. Who gets drafted first: Kevin Love -170 or Brook Lopez +135
6. New York Knicks- Russell Westbrook, UCLA
The Knicks need help at just about every position but we expect them to with the athletic combo guard here. Westbrook is a tremendous defender who oozes potential. Other strong possibilities here are Eric Gordon, Joe Alexander and Danilo Gallinari.
7. LA Clippers- Eric Gordon, Indiana
Gordon has all the tools to be a star at the next level. A great scorer who can shoot it from deep and finish around the tin, Gordon has excellent athleticism coupled with an NBA body. O/U draft position for Gordon is 6.5
8. Milwaukee Bucks- Joe Alexander, West Virginia
Alexander’s stock skyrocketed thanks to his workouts at last month’s pre-draft camp where he showed off his athletic ability. He possesses a very nice inside-outside game and would produce immediately in Milwaukee, especially considering they are shopping Charlie Villanueva. Who gets drafted first: Joe Alexander -110 or Danilo Gallinari -120
9. Charlotte Bobcats- Brook Lopez, Stanford
Drafting the 7-foot Lopez would allow Emeka Okafor to slide over to the power forward spot. Many had Lopez going much earlier in the draft, and it’s hard to envision him sliding any further.
10. New Jersey Nets- Danilo Gallinari, Italy
The 6’9” Italian is considered the top international prospect this year and could be a steal if he slips this far. An excellent passer with a fine tuned midrange game, Gallinari could go as early as #6. Who gets drafted first: Eric Gordon -210 or Danilo Gallinari +165.
11. Indiana Pacers- D.J. Augustin, Texas
If the Pacers don’t trade for a point guard, Augustin would be the obvious choice here. Augustin is a well rounded lead guard with excellent shooting and playmaking skills. If he were a few inches taller, he might be the top point guard selected.
12. Sacramento Kings- Kosta Koufos, Ohio State
The Kings could use a point guard but Mario Chalmers might be a reach at #12. With Kevin Martin and Ron Artest, they are set at the 2/3 spots, so the only thing left is a power forward or center. The 7-1 Kosta Koufos would be a quality pick here. O/U draft position for Koufos is 16.5
13. Portland Trail Blazers- Mario Chalmers, Kansas
With the return of a healthy Greg Oden in addition to plenty of young talent, Portland is a team to keep an eye on next season. Their biggest need is a point guard and a guy like Chalmers could fit in perfectly with the Blazers.
14. Golden State Warriors- Brandon Rush, Kansas
Rush has all the tools to excel at the next level. A great shooter and an excellent athlete, Rush will be able to play either small forward or shooting guard at the next level. Although they may be better served taking a power forward here, Rush might be too talented to pass up.
Log on now to Sportsbook.com to check out the rest of the NBA Draft props currently being offered, including In-Running action. Finally, don’t forget to register for the Mini-Mock Draft promotion where the winner could take home $7000.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 June 2008 )
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