NBA Draft 2026 Betting Preview: Odds, Prop Bets, & Predictions

2026 NBA Draft First Pick Odds and Prediction: AJ Dybantsa (-390)

Dybantsa has been projected as the top pick in the draft since the middle of his dominant 2025-26 campaign. There was some uncertainty heading into the season, but he’s done plenty to quiet those doubts.

That said, he’s not an absolute lock at No. 1 according to the latest odds. Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson is firmly in the mix a few weeks out from the draft. Peterson owns the second-best odds to go first overall, with a 25% implied probability of hearing his name called before anyone else.

From my perspective, as long as Dybantsa stays out of trouble and doesn’t do anything to damage his draft stock, he’s going No. 1. The media will keep pushing the Dybantsa vs. Peterson debate because it makes for good content, but to me, the BYU product is clearly the top prospect in this class.

That’s perfectly fine for betting purposes, because it keeps Dybantsa’s price at a reasonable -390 instead of drifting into unbettable territory. If he were the undisputed first choice across every major outlet, we’d likely be looking at a number north of -1000 by now.

In other words, -390 still offers some value. Expect that number to shift higher as we get closer to Draft Day.

On the court, the 6’9” forward was a critical component for BYU’s offense. He was a physical force, averaging 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. He added 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, underscoring how complete his offensive profile already is. The Cougars wouldn’t have won 23 games last season without Dybantsa.

While he’s not an elite three-point marksman yet, he’s capable beyond the arc and has the work ethic to keep sharpening that part of his game. Dybantsa shot 33.1% from deep and can score from all three levels. He’s incredibly fluid and athletic with strong court vision for a 6’9” forward, the exact type of big wing teams covet in today’s NBA.

Given his sky-high ceiling and already-polished offensive package, it will be tough for the Wizards to pass on Dybantsa with the first pick. For your NBA Draft betting picks, backing Dybantsa at -390 to go No. 1 is still the side I’d look to before the market moves further in his direction.

2026 NBA Draft Second Pick Odds and Prediction: Darryn Peterson (-175)

There is plenty of hype around the Wizards potentially taking Peterson with the No. 1 overall pick. While I don’t expect them to go that route, the fact that he’s even in the conversation speaks to his talent.

The 6’5” guard is the best shot creator in this year’s draft, which also happens to be one of the Utah Jazz’s biggest needs this offseason.

From Tim MacMahon today:

“The Jazz have done their due diligence on Darryn Peterson and they would be completely comfortable with him as a part of their franchise.”

In regards to any concerns at Kansas:

“There is nothing there that would prevent the Jazz from drafting him.” pic.twitter.com/SuGY428Z5M

— Art Cummings (@ArtTakesNote) June 3, 2026

Adding a franchise-caliber guard like Peterson to the starting lineup would give the Jazz the playmaker they’ve been searching for. Beyond just creating his own shot, Peterson is a physical guard who plays bigger than his size. He isn’t afraid of contact against larger forwards in the paint and relentlessly attacks the rim.

As a freshman at Kansas, Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game on 43.8% shooting. He hit 38.2% from three and consistently showed he can score from all levels. Where he still needs to grow is as a primary ball-handler and facilitator.

Additionally, Peterson regularly dealt with cramping that limited his availability and full potential in college.

The Canton, OH native averaged just 1.6 assists per game, in part because he was asked to play a shoot-first role at Kansas. There is clear room for improvement as a playmaker, and his off-ball defense can be inconsistent at times. Even so, Peterson’s elite shot creation makes him a can’t-miss prospect for the Jazz.

2026 NBA Draft Third Pick Odds and Prediction: Cameron Boozer (-250)

Once Peterson comes off the board to the Jazz, the rest of the top five in the NBA Draft should fall into place. I’d love to call a longshot here, but I don’t expect any major surprises. There’s an outside chance Utah pivots to Duke’s Cameron Boozer, yet their bigger need is a dynamic guard.

Boozer, meanwhile, looks like an ideal fit for the Memphis Grizzlies. He’d slot naturally into their frontcourt. The 6’8” power forward can operate around the rim and consistently knock down threes. He’s athletic enough to run the floor and get up and down in transition.

Elite freshmen only 🔥

Cam Boozer joins elite company as the fifth freshman to win the men's Wooden Award 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vBntmH45Oa

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 11, 2026

On top of that, Boozer is a smart player with a high basketball IQ. He reads the floor well and makes quick decisions. If his development stays on track, Carlos’ son has the tools to become a double-double machine at the pro level. He’s a solid rebounder, which only adds to his versatility. In 2025-26, Boozer averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 39.1% from three.

He still needs to add some burst and explosiveness to reach an elite tier as a forward, but he’s trending in the right direction. If Boozer is still on the board when the Grizzlies pick at No. 3, they can’t afford to let him slip. With that in mind, consider backing Boozer as one of the best 2026 NBA Draft prop bets.

2026 NBA Draft Fifth Pick Odds and Prediction: Keaton Wagler (+200)

There isn’t much betting value on Caleb Wilson at No. 4, so I’m passing on that market for my 2026 NBA Draft best bets. Instead, I’m targeting Illinois’ guard Keaton Wagler to the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5.

The Clippers acquired this pick from the Indiana Pacers and are likely to use it on one of the most dependable guards in this class. They should be looking for a big, physical backcourt partner to slot next to Darius Garland. Mikel Brown Jr. fits that mold as well, but Wagler profiles as the safer, more polished option.

Wagler is coming off a terrific freshman season at Illinois, where he took control of the offense and led the Illini to the Final Four. He averaged 17.9 points per game on 44.5% shooting, including an impressive 39.7% from three, while also dishing out 4.2 assists per contest.

He produced those numbers against top-tier Big Ten competition, and his skill set translates cleanly to the NBA. Physical, athletic guards who can create space are coveted at this level, and Wagler checks those boxes.

If the Clippers grab him at No. 5, they’re getting a well-rounded guard who fits their needs, making Wagler one of the stronger NBA Draft betting picks on the board at +200.