Predicting the first 10 picks of the 2023 NBA Draft based on odds

There are just eight days until the 2023 NBA Draft, and the No. 1 pick is all but decided – as French phenom Victor Wembanyama is a lock to go to the San Antonio Spurs. 

The draft seems to start at No. 2, with the possibility that a team like the New Orleans Pelicans could move up in the draft to try to take Scoot Henderson. 

It’s the season of mock drafts, but what are the odds telling us? 

Here’s how I see the first 10 picks shaking out based on the odds from FanDuel and DraftKings: 

Predicting the first 10 picks of the 2023 NBA Draft

No. 1 San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama (-20000)

There isn’t much to say here. 

Wembanyama is arguably the greatest prospect since LeBron James, and he’s going to go No. 1. Don’t even bother wagering on anyone else. 

No. 2 Charlotte Hornets – Brandon Miller (-250)

Even with the rumors that the Pelicans want Henderson, I think Charlotte holds on to this pick. 

The Hornets have a ton of guard talent, but they need a wing that can carry them with Kelly Oubre set to hit free agency. I think Brandon Miller is the pick here. 

No. 3 Portland Trail Blazers – Scoot Henderson (-185)

I love Henderson to land at No. 3 – whether Portland keeps the pick or not. 

He’s the best guard prospect in the draft, and I personally believe he’d have a shot to go No. 2 if the Hornets weren’t the team picking there. Don’t be shocked if a deal is struck to get Scoot at 3. 

No. 4 Houston Rockets – Cam Whitmore (+170)

Amen Thompson is the odds on favorite to go at this pick, but a bunch of mock drafts have slated Cam Whitmore at No. 4. 

Our own Reed Wallach broke down the case for Whitmore at No. 4 here. 

No. 5 Detroit Pistons – Amen Thompson (+430)

I love the odds on this for Thompson to go here, even though the Pistons have a plethora of guards. 

The key is drafting the best player available – and Detroit has a log jam up front as well. 

A three-guard lineup with Thompson, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey (all bigger guards) could be fun to watch. 

No. 6 Orlando Magic – Ausar Thompson (+230)

Speaking of the Thompson twins, I think Orlando could use Ausar Thompson here – even though it also has a ton of guards. 

The Magic may need to make a trade this offseason to get some pieces that fit better around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and resetting the clock on a guard spot with Thompson makes a lot of sense. 

No. 7 Indiana Pacers – Jarace Walker (+175)

After Miller, Jarace Walker and Taylor Hendricks appear to be the two best wing prospects in this draft. 

I’ll lean with Walker here – as he’s been mocked as high as No. 5 to Detroit. This could be a spot for one of the Thompson twins as well if they fall. 

No. 8 Washington Wizards – Anthony Black (+200)

Anthony Black had a strong freshman season at Arkansas, and I think he’d be a great fit for a Washington team that could blow things up this offseason. 

Black is a strong defender and playmaker, and he could help the team get the most out of last year's first-round pick Johnny Davis. For Washington, it’s about taking the best player available at this spot.  

No. 9 Utah Jazz – Taylor Hendricks (+500)

The Jazz could use a guard here, but they lack wing depth even more after moving Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt at the deadline. 

Hendricks could slot in nicely next to Lauri Markkanen in the frontcourt. 

No. 10 Dallas Mavericks – Gradey Dick (+320)

I don’t think Dallas ends up making this pick, but I’ll take a shot on Gradey Dick, a strong shooter, to end up being the No. 10 pick. 

Every team is going to be in the market for shooting, and there’s an argument to be made that the Kansas product could be the best shooter in this class.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.