NBA draft betting: How will the top 10 unfold after Flagg, Harper?

Just days after crowning its champion, the NBA will welcome the new crop of talent into the league during Wednesday's first round of the draft.

The first two picks aren't exactly a mystery. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are almost guaranteed to go first and second overall to the Mavericks and Spurs, respectively.

Flagg is -50000 to be selected No. 1, and Harper is -5000 to go No. 2. The draft really starts at No. 3, and the intrigue continues to build after that. While we already unveiled our mock draft, let's take a look at the top 10 picks and the favorites to be drafted in each spot.

3rd overall (76ers)

Ace Bailey opened as a -125 favorite to go third overall. He's largely considered the third-best prospect with a high ceiling, but he's done everything possible to tank his stock. He canceled a workout and visit to Philadelphia last week and has refused to work out for any team.

VJ Edgecombe aligns with the Sixers' win-now timeline as an elite athlete and exceptional defender who can immediately crack the Sixers' rotation. Bailey is more of a project, one that the Sixers likely don't want to invest in. Edgecombe should be Philly's guy.

4th overall (Hornets)

Bailey could start free-falling if the Sixers pass on him at three. Despite the talent, Bailey's inefficient shooting numbers have many scouts worried about his potential. The Hornets don't need Bailey's skillset with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges as their centerpieces.

Charlotte is reportedly interested in Edgecombe, although he might not be available when it's on the clock. Kon Knueppel would be a logical choice. The sharp-shooting wing can play off the ball in a spot-up role and is capable of assuming ball-handling responsibilities. While the Duke freshman could be a liability defensively for a Hornets team that finished with the NBA's seventh-worst defense, the offensive upside could be too much for Charlotte to turn down.

5th overall (Jazz)

As Bailey's camp attempts to dictate his destination, why would the Jazz draft a player who has no desire to play for their organization?

Utah needs a star to usher in a new era after some forgettable seasons. Maybe it takes a chance on Bailey even if he doesn't want to play there, but it's more likely the Jazz select a guard with star potential like Tre Johnson or Jeremiah Fears.

6th overall (Wizards)

There's a strong chance Bailey is still on the board when the Wizards are on the clock, which is why he's favored to land sixth. Washington is another team desperate for a young star. While Bailey won't be that right away, the Wizards have nothing to lose by taking a swing on a polarizing prospect with exceptional raw talent.

If Bailey is off the board, look for the Wizards to select Derik Queen, a big man from Maryland who possesses guard skills as a ball-handler and passer with tremendous touch. Washington scouted Queen all season as he played in its backyard. He'd fit in seamlessly at power forward alongside Alex Sarr, Washington's second overall pick in 2024, who flashed his rim-protecting prowess as a rookie.

7th overall (Pelicans)

The Pelicans' future is a mystery. They have talent, but their best players are injury-prone and their futures in New Orleans are uncertain. If Knueppel falls to the Pelicans, they'd likely take the sharp-shooter, but could also draft Fears.

However, New Orleans desperately needs a big man. Expect them to target Queen or Khaman Maluach. The former has a higher ceiling, but the latter has a higher floor as a rim-running and rim-protecting big with limited ball skills.

Maluach is considered the safer prospect of the two, but the Pelicans recently hired Troy Weaver as their vice president of basketball operations, who worked for the Wizards last season. Weaver attended various Maryland practices and games, making him incredibly familiar with Queen's game.

8th overall (Nets)

The Nets could go in any direction with this pick, regardless of position. They are in complete rebuild mode, looking for young prospects who can turn Brooklyn's fortune around. The Nets should select the best available player. However, it's a mystery who they view as that and who will still be around by the eighth pick. Fears has a good chance of dropping, but the Nets could also take a swing on more polarizing prospects like Noa Essengue, Kasparas Jakucionis, or Egor Demin.

9th overall (Raptors)

Some mock drafts have the Raptors landing Arizona freshman Carter Bryant, an athletic and long wing who defends at a high level and can space the floor. He doesn't constantly need the ball in his hands to contribute, making him a solid fit for the Raptors' needs. Toronto could also look at Jakucionis or Collin Murray-Boyles, both of whom are slated to be drafted in this range.

10th overall (Suns)

The Suns acquired this pick from the Rockets in the Kevin Durant trade over the weekend. Phoenix's vision and future are as murky as any team in the league. While they need a point guard and a big man, they should draft the best available player. If the Raptors pass on Bryant, there's a solid chance the Suns snatch him. Queen could also be in the mix, along with Essengue and Jakucionis, both of whom are -130 to be selected in the top 10.

Sam Oshtry is a sports writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.