The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft begins at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, June 25th. This is a fun group of prospects, and people around the league are expecting all kinds of drama on draft night. While Cooper Flagg to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 1 and Dylan Harper to the San Antonio Spurs at No. 2 feel like certainties, the rest of the draft is filled with uncertainty. That starts with Ace Bailey, who is viewed as the third-best prospect in the draft. Bailey’s camp is trying to get him to a preferred destination, so nobody knows where he’ll land in the Top 10. Between that and a bunch of trade rumors, we’re in for a wild night. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be value betting on this event. I have already posted a few plays to the VSiN picks page, and I’ll post some NBA Draft best bets Wednesday morning. But keep reading for some nuggets on some of the best players. In order, I’ll run through my favorite 20 players in this draft, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses while also providing some betting notes when I can.

NOTE: This is NOT a mock draft. This is a list of 20 players in the draft, ranked by how good I believe they’ll be in the NBA.

1) Cooper Flagg – 6’8″, Wing, Duke

Analysis: Flagg projects as a foundational two-way player. He’s a superb on-ball defender with elite anticipation and timing as a help-side presence. His ability to guard multiple positions is special. On the other end, Flagg scores from all over the floor and reads the game well as a passer. If the ball-handling and jumper both tick up a level, he’ll be one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

Betting: You’re not going to find any value trying to find ways to bet Flagg on draft night. His -20000 odds to go first mean an implied probability of 99.5%. And Flagg has already had dinner with Mavericks team officials and teammates. I’m not even sure there will be value on Flagg in the Rookie of the Year market. So, if you’re trigger-happy to do something with the 18-year-old, I’d suggest taking Dallas to win the 2025-26 NBA title. I already have a 40-1 ticket on the Mavericks. Flagg should instantly be an awesome two-way contributor for Dallas, and his presence should give head coach Jason Kidd the best rotation in basketball. Once Kyrie Irving returns from an injury, I’m not sure there’s a team in the league that will throw out a better five-man lineup than Irving, Max Christie, Flagg, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II. Also, as of this moment, the Mavericks also have Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington and Caleb Martin. They’re big, they’re tough and they can play both ends of the floor. That said, if the team can stay afloat while Irving rehabs his torn ACL, a championship is well within the realm of possibility.

2) Dylan Harper – 6’5″, Guard, Rutgers

Analysis: Harper is a physically imposing guard who can carve up defenses off the dribble and create for others with impressive vision. He’s a dynamic slasher and has shown real flashes as a shooter. The next step is turning that jumper into a consistent weapon — especially off movement and in spot-up situations. His growth defensively, particularly off the ball, will also determine whether he reaches that upper-tier ceiling.

Betting: Like Flagg, there isn’t going to be any draft-night value with Harper. All of the NBA’s reliable reporters are saying San Antonio will take him at No. 2. And even if we see some sort of unexpected Giannis Antetokounmpo trade that nets the Bucks the second selection, Harper will be the pick. Also, I’m not sure Harper will be a good Rookie of the Year play either. San Antonio has De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle in the backcourt already, so Harper likely won’t have the ability to run the show all that often.

3) VJ Edgecombe – 6’4″, Guard, Baylor

Analysis: Edgecombe sets the tone defensively every time he steps on the floor. He’s aggressive and tough at the point of attack, and he’s always game to guard the other team’s best scorer. Offensively, he plays downhill with power and can space the floor with his shooting, though his handle is still a bit limited. His film from FIBA play (with the Bahamas), gives a clearer picture of his offensive upside than his Baylor tape does.

Betting: I’m not fully convinced the 76ers are going to stay put at No. 3, but I like Edgecombe to go third. It sounds like Philadelphia was impressed with Edgecombe’s private visit last week. So, if the Sixers can’t find a trade they like to move back, I think they’ll grab Edgecombe and bank on his defensive mentality being a good addition to a backcourt that includes Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. And honestly, if somebody does move up for the third pick, I think it’ll be the Hornets. Charlotte is rumored to be high on Edgecombe, who slides in perfectly next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. So, while -275 is a tough pill to swallow in backing Edgecombe to go third, that’s really the only way to play it.

4) Tre Johnson – 6’5″, Guard, Texas

Analysis: Johnson’s shooting is already NBA-level. He hit nearly 40% from 3 while handling a heavy workload, and he can knock them down off the catch, on the move or off the dribble. There’s more to his game than just shooting, though. He can create his own looks at all three levels and has some natural playmaking instincts. His scoring upside is among the best in this class. He also has good size, so he shouldn’t be a lost cause on D.

Betting: I wouldn’t suggest forcing anything on Johnson, but going fourth overall at +550 odds could be worth a sprinkle. Johnson isn’t just one of the best shooters in this draft, but he’s one of the best offensive players, in general. He also has as much upside as any of the guards, as his game is tailor-made for the current NBA. That said, if the Sixers do move back to No. 4, I can see him being the type of swing we’ve seen from Daryl Morey before. And if it’s still the Hornets, I wouldn’t rule Johnson out. Charlotte has been linked to Kon Knueppel, with the thought being he’s a low-maintenance player that slots in well between Ball and Miller. But the Hornets aren’t good enough to be ruling out high-end talents. I can see them going Johnson, who also has a higher floor than people give him credit for.

5) Ace Bailey – 6’8″, Wing, Rutgers

Analysis: Bailey’s shot selection was erratic at times, and his defensive focus came and went, but there’s no denying the upside. He’s a long, bouncy wing with a deep scoring bag, capable of making tough shots from all over the court. There’s also defensive potential if he buys in. Some of the pre-draft noise might’ve turned people off, but the raw tools are real — and his development curve is far from over.

Betting: It certainly sounds like Bailey wants to play in Washington. And if it’s not the player himself, it’s agent Omar Cooper that wants him there. Bailey reportedly prefers a situation in which he’ll start and get significant on-ball opportunities in Year 1. He doesn’t want to end up in Reed Sheppard’s situation, playing spot minutes and mop-up duty for a good team. Well, the Wizards probably wouldn’t complain getting a potential top-tier talent at No. 6. So, if you’re betting on Bailey, I’d suggest taking him to go sixth at +225 odds. It’s not impossible that somebody will draft him earlier, but those teams haven’t seen him work out — and some haven’t met with him. So, it’d be a pretty big risk.

6) Derik Queen – 6’9″, Center, Maryland

Analysis: Queen’s game is built on skill and touch. He’s not the most athletic or fleet-footed big, which raises questions about his defensive viability, but he’s excellent in face-up situations and has terrific passing feel. Around the basket, he’s tough to stop. And his numbers as a driver were out of this world. If he continues to work on his conditioning, defensive awareness and shooting range, he could be a uniquely productive offensive hub at the five. There’s a lot of Alperen Sengun and Domantas Sabonis here.

Betting: Queen has a world of potential with his ability to play with his back to the basket, score as a driver and make plays for others. However, it isn’t going to be easy for teams to fit him into a starting five. He does need the ball in order to be productive, and his defense could be a problem. With that in mind, he has a higher bust factor than some of the other elite players in this class. That’s why there’s talk of Queen falling out of the Top 10. So, while I absolutely love Queen, I’d take the Over on his Draft Position O/U if I had to play anything. But I wouldn’t run to the window for that one, as I imagine some front offices value him the way I do.

7) Kon Knueppel – 6’5″, Guard, Duke

Analysis: Knueppel is one of the most polished offensive players in this draft. He’s an elite shooter with deep range and a lightning-quick release, but he also plays with great pace and sees the floor well. Knueppel has added more playmaking to his game and brings high-level basketball IQ on both ends. He’s not going to wow you with athleticism, but he’s tough, smart and rarely makes mistakes.

Betting: Knueppel is a sniper that can fit on pretty much every team, which is why everybody likes him to go Top 5 in this draft. However, Knueppel does have some limitations as an athlete, and there are some players in his draft range that have more upside. That’s the harsh truth when looking at a player with average size and athleticism. Well, those limitations make it hard not to lean towards the Over on Knueppel’s Draft Position of 5.5. That’s available at +220 at BetRivers. I actually wouldn’t rule out Knueppel going seventh.

8) Egor Demin – 6’8″, Wing, BYU

Analysis: Demin turned heads early in the year with big performances against weaker opponents, but he was more inconsistent when the competition ramped up. Still, there’s a lot to like with his size and playmaking ability. He’s a tall, skilled wing who can run offense like a point guard. If the shot becomes reliable, he could end up being one of the steals of this class. NBA teams are always intrigued by oversized creators, and Demin fits that mold.

Betting: A lot of people want to throw out Luka Doncic comparisons whenever they see a big playmaker like Demin, but the Russian just doesn’t have that kind of upside. Still, he is a player that teams will value, as having wings that can create is a huge advantage in the modern NBA. And there are several teams picking in the lottery that have traditionally valued the jumbo ball handler, with Atlanta and San Antonio being two of them. Oklahoma City has also been linked to the BYU product, and the Thunder are rumored to be interested in trading up. That said, Under 14.5 seems like the call for Demin. He should be a lottery pick. I also like the plus-money odds on Demin to be picked before Kasparas Jakucionis.

9) Noa Essengue – 6’9″, Forward, Ratiopharm Ulm

Analysis: Essengue is a versatile forward with intriguing two-way potential. He’s comfortable handling the ball in space, finishes well around the rim and has the tools to defend multiple positions. His physical traits pop off the screen. The next step is processing the game a bit faster and becoming a legitimate floor spacer. Without a dependable jumper, it’ll be hard for him to hit his ceiling.

Betting: There’s a pretty wide range of outcomes for Essengue, but it’s hard not to view him as a Raptors pick at No. 9. That’s why I went Under on his Draft Position O/U of 9.5. I got that at a pretty rough price, as it’s available at plus-money odds now. But I really think he’s going nine or earlier. BasketNews, a good source for basketball overseas, is reporting that Essengue is leaving his team in the finals to be at the draft on Wednesday. That feels like something you only do if you’re pretty confident you’re being drafted in a good spot. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a promise from Masai Ujiri and the Raptors.

10) Khaman Maluach – 7’1″, Center, Duke

Analysis: Maluach is a towering presence in the paint with impressive mobility and instincts. He rotates well as a help defender and already profiles as a high-level rim protector at the next level. On offense, he’s more of a finisher than a creator right now, but he shows good touch and decision-making. Even if he doesn’t expand his range much, he’s got a high floor as a reliable, modern rim-running big.

Betting: Maluach will likely be the first center selected on Wednesday, but what exactly does that mean? Once viewed as a top-five lock, the Duke big man now has an O/U of 8.5 for Draft Position. The Under is heavily juiced there. I’d actually lean Over at +200 odds or better. While Maluach is a tremendous center prospect, this class is loaded with bigs. Queen, Maluach, Joan Beringer, Thomas Sorber and a couple of others are viewed as first-round talents. So, Maluach might slide because teams will think they can scoop solid centers later on. Don’t rule out Maluach falling to 9 or 10.

11) Collin Murray-Boyles – 6’7″, Forward, South Carolina

Analysis: Murray-Boyles makes his mark with nonstop energy and defensive versatility. He can comfortably switch across multiple positions, and his physicality and motor give him real value as a rebounder and finisher. Offensively, he’s a strong driver with good touch around the rim and flashes as a connector. If he can develop into even a respectable outside shooter, he’ll have a long career as a starting-caliber forward despite being a bit undersized.

Betting: The Under on Murray-Boyles’ 14.5 Draft Position is one of my favorite plays for Wednesday. After the Suns traded Kevin Durant, Jonathan Givony quickly updated his mock draft with the Suns taking the Gamecocks forward. Phoenix needs a power forward, as the roster is two-guard heavy right now. Murray-Boyles also fits exactly what the Suns are looking for. Mat Ishbia and new GM Brian Gregory continue to talk about organizational “alignment.” And what they want is defense, toughness and nightly tenacity. Murray-Boyles brings that. And if Phoenix passes, Portland is 11, Atlanta is 13 and San Antonio is 14. I can see all of those teams, who value Murray-Boyles’ analytic-friendly production, taking him. I can also see the Thunder or Grizzlies moving up to take him. Memphis is probably dying to get CMB. 

12) Joan Beringer – 6’11”, Center, Cedevita Olimpija

Analysis: Beringer is still learning the game, but the physical tools and defensive instincts are ahead of schedule. He’s a legitimate shot-blocking threat already and could turn into one of the league’s premier rim protectors in time. Offensively, he’s limited — mostly catching lobs or cleaning up on the glass — but there’s room to grow. Any shooting or touch development is a bonus, but even as is, the defensive ceiling is enough to get excited about.

Betting: Beringer isn’t a household name. The international prospects rarely are, and he was a bit of a late riser. However, Beringer’s O/U Draft Position is 17.5, and that feels way too high. He has the potential to be an All-NBA caliber defender, and good organizations will trust that they can get that out of him. That said, I’m going Under and looking at teams like Oklahoma City and Minnesota as destinations. Not only can Beringer be a stud, but he’s also stashable. So, teams can draft him and then keep him overseas to avoid having him on the roster too soon. For a title team like the Thunder, that is valuable.

13) Jeremiah Fears – 6’3″, Guard, Oklahoma

Analysis: Fears is a dynamic offensive talent with elite burst and an advanced handle. He lives in the paint and keeps pressure on defenses with his aggressive mentality. He can create for himself and others, but the swing skill is the jumper. If he becomes a reliable threat from deep, he’ll be tough to stop. Given his size and defensive limitations, though, the margin for error on offense is razor-thin.

Betting: While I’m not as high on Fears as others seem to be, there’s a ton of smoke about him going to the Jazz. He had a private workout with the team last Thursday, and it sounds like he shot the hell out of the ball. Utah is also letting Austin Ainge run the show now, and he might not be married to Keyonte George or Isaiah Collier. So, it definitely makes some sense that the Jazz are willing to take a massive swing on a highly-talented guard. I already have the Under on Fears’ Draft Position of 7.5, but that’s no longer available. However, you can get Fears to go Top 5 at +300 or so.

14) Kasparas Jakucionis – 6’5″, Guard, Illinois

Analysis: Jakucionis is a crafty lead guard who plays with a veteran’s poise. He’s a smart decision-maker and thrives in pick-and-roll situations with his ability to manipulate defenders and find teammates. His size helps him compensate for average athleticism, but the jumper needs work. He’ll also need to prove he can stay on the floor defensively.

Betting: I don’t have many concerns about Jakucionis turning into a productive NBA player. His combination of size, creativity and basketball IQ gives him a high floor. However, I can’t really pin down the team that will be targeting him in the Top 10 or 11. The one that comes to mind is Toronto, but that’s really it. That said, I’d be looking to the Over on Jakucionis’ O/U Draft Position of 11.5. If he doesn’t go 9, he’s really not the Suns type at 10. And the Blazers, who are selecting at 11, just added Jrue Holiday to a backcourt that already features Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. I can’t see them grabbing a guard that needs the ball.

15) Cedric Coward – 6’5″, Wing, Washington State

Analysis: Coward was one of the big risers in the pre-draft process. He showcased his shooting stroke and defensive potential during workouts, making scouts reconsider him as a legit 3-and-D prospect. He’s got a huge wingspan and moves well laterally. The question is how much stock to put in that pre-draft performance, given that he hasn’t consistently faced elite competition. But if the shooting holds, he’ll stick as a high-end rotation player — at the very least.

Betting: A bunch of smart draft analysts view Coward as a top-10 prospect in this draft, and I’m also a big fan of his game. The problem is that it’s hard to peg where he’s going to go. Would it shock me if Masai Ujiri takes him at 9? Nope. After all, people love comparing this kid to Kawhi Leonard. Also, Coward’s in play for the Suns at 10. But his O/U being 14.5 is a little fishy to me. For weeks, people have been calling him a lottery pick after he put on a show at the NBA Draft Combine. That almost makes the Under seem too easy. So, while that’d be the play I’d make if I had to make one, I’m staying away.

16) Nolan Traore – 6’3″, Guard, Saint-Quentin

Analysis: A year ago, Traore was viewed in the same tier as some of the draft’s biggest names. He’s slipped after a couple of underwhelming pro seasons in France, but that might say more about circumstance than talent. Traore is a smooth scorer with touch from all over and real playmaking vision. He should benefit from NBA spacing, and there’s still plenty of time for him to close the gap with the guards ahead of him.

Betting: It’s insane that the draft is here and we’re talking about Traore like a late first-round pick. For such a long time, he was in the conversation with Harper and Bailey as a Tier 2 guy in this draft. Now, after a rough season in France, people have backed off in a big way. But I still believe in Traore’s potential, and I imagine there’s a front office or two that feels the same way. He could be a good consolation prize for a team that misses out on Fears or Jakucionis. He feels like a player that could land in Brooklyn. The Nets have the 19th pick and head coach Jordi Fernandez is a guard whisperer. So, Under 21.5 is worth a look.

17) Carter Bryant – 6’7″, Wing, Arizona

Analysis: Bryant has all the traits of a modern NBA wing. He’s long, switchable and can knock down shots. But his year at Arizona was strange — the Wildcats needed exactly what he brings, and yet he never found a consistent role. The flashes of on-ball creation we saw in high school didn’t quite show up, but the physical tools and shooting stroke are legit. If he gets back to playing with confidence, he’ll look like a steal.

Betting: It definitely sounds like Bryant has his fans in the Top 10, and he feels like a player the Blazers could target at 11. However, you have to deal with significant juice to go Under on his O/U of 11.5. For me, that’s hard to stomach for a player that struggled in his lone season in college. So, if anything, I’d go Over on that Draft Position play at plus-money odds.

18) Asa Newell – 6’9″, Forward, Georgia

Analysis: Newell plays with infectious energy and finds ways to impact games without needing touches. He’s a strong finisher inside and has great touch around the paint. If he can expand his range and become a pick-and-pop threat, his offensive value jumps significantly. He’s also capable of grabbing rebounds and pushing in transition, adding to his versatility. At worst, he’ll be a useful role player — but there’s more upside to tap into.

Betting: While I’m extremely high on Newell, the best way to play anything involving him might actually be to go against him. DraftKings has a player matchup that puts Newell up against Thomas Sorber. While I don’t have Sorber as one of my favorite 20 prospects, it does sound like NBA teams value him a little more than Newell. So, at -125 odds, it might be worth backing the Georgetown big to be selected first.

19) Jase Richardson – 6’1″, Guard, Michigan State

Analysis: Richardson has to overcome his size, but there’s a lot to like in terms of skill and IQ. He’s a smart, steady ball handler who makes good reads, takes care of the ball and knocks down shots from every part of the court. He also competes hard on defense, despite being undersized. If paired with the right personnel, he could thrive in a Derrick White-style role — secondary ball-handler who locks in on D.

Betting: I haven’t found any productive ways to play or fade Richardson in the draft. FanDuel gives you the option of playing him to go Top 20 at +105 odds, but I’m not confident enough to take that. Richardson is the type of player that could be a star in his role in the NBA, but he’s undersized. That will be hard for certain teams to overlook. That could mean a small slide on Wednesday.

20) Danny Wolf – 6’11”, Center, Michigan

Analysis: Wolf doesn’t fit the traditional center mold, but he’s one of the most intriguing offensive bigs in the class. He’s a high-level passer, especially out of the high post, and he brings a different kind of pace to the game. Whether he can consistently stretch the floor with his jumper will determine a lot about his NBA role. Defensively, he’ll need to prove he can hold his own. If not, teams might only trust him as a playmaking big off the bench — much like Kelly Olynyk.

Betting: Wolf is another player that is hard to bet here. You can get plus-money odds on Wolf to go in the Top 20, but I’m not sure I see it happening. Phoenix is rumored to be interested in Wolf, but the team also had interest when its only pick was at 29. So, the Suns clearly feel there’s a decent chance he’ll be around later in the round. The Raptors are another team with interest in the Michigan big man, but 9 feels like a massive reach. I’d probably look to Overs on Wolf before looking to Unders.

The post 2025 NBA Draft Betting Primer: Analysis and betting thoughts for the Top 20 prospects appeared first on VSiN.