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We are not that far removed from the Golden State Warriors winning another title, but the business side of things rarely stops. While players across the league take a well-deserved summer break, the front office staff on every team are already looking ahead to the NBA Draft. While the bottom feeders in the league will be getting the first pick at fresh talent, don’t think for a moment that the better teams in the league are not looking at the draft as a way to fill some holes and improve for next season. We will get all the answers on Thursday night when the selections are made, but we can certainly look ahead and make some predictions, while also looking at the current NBA Draft Betting Lines surrounding the 2022 NBA Draft.

2022 Draft Predictions: First, Second and Third Pick | NBA Betting Odds

Who Goes First?

It was the Orlando Magic who won the draft lottery and who will get to make the first pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. There are some very good prospects to choose from, but the general consensus is that they will take PF Jabari Smith out of Auburn. He is certainly the favorite to go at #1, as he is sitting at odds of -259. Yes, there are some weaknesses to his game, but Smith very much checks all the boxes for what the Magic are looking for.

Looking at the odds, there are really only 2 valid alternatives if the Magic pass on Smith. Those are PF Paolo Banchero (+240) and C Chet Holmgren (+360). Banchero would likely be the second choice of the Magic, but if they pass on him, expect Banchero to drop down just a little.

Who Goes #2?

If you are looking for a longshot to go early in the draft, then this might be the spot to take a gamble. The obvious choice is that the Oklahoma City Thunder will take the best player still available, which is Chet Holmgren, who is sitting at odds of -172 to go as the #2 overall pick. There have been some rumors that the Thunder have taken a liking to Jaden Ivey (+2100), but I think cooler heads will prevail and it will be Holmgren who goes at this spot.

Again, we also have to look at the possibility that the Magic might do something unexpected. In that case, the Thunder might take Jabari Smith (+175) with the second pick. The other option here would be Paolo Banchero (+400).

Who Goes #3?

There are a lot of people who believe that Paolo Banchero has the talent to go as the top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but it is his defensive shortcomings that are a problem for some teams. That said, he looks to be a lock to go in the top 3, with his most likely destination looking to be Houston, with the Rockets in possession of the 3^rd overall pick in the draft. The bookies seem to like this idea, as they have him at -270 to go #3.

Also on the board at this spot is Holmgren at odds of +440 and Smith at odds of +650. Since it looks like those two will be gone, the next choice for the Rockets would likely be Jaden Ivey at odds of +1100.