The NBA season has come to a close after a thrilling seven-game NBA Finals where league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder came away victorious over the Indiana Pacers. Now, attention turns to the NBA offseason and the 2025-2026 season. Luckily for NBA fans, the wait is not long with the 2025 NBA Draft kicking off tonight!

The draft is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich classes in recent memory, headlined by superstar Cooper Flagg. While Flagg seems like he will be a lock for the first overall pick, he is followed up by a group of extremely talented guards, high-ceiling wings, and many more intriguing prospects. 

From fantasy basketball value to betting angles, here’s your complete breakdown of the 2025 NBA Draft, plus a $150 bonus when you sign up to DraftKings.

When Is the 2025 NBA Draft? Date, Start Time, and How to Watch

The 2025 NBA Draft will take place over two days:

  • Round 1: Wednesday, June 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET
     
  • Round 2: Thursday, June 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Both rounds will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the league’s preferred draft venue.

How to Watch:

  • Round 1 will be broadcast live on ABC and ESPN.
  • Round 2 will be available on ESPN and streaming via ESPN+.

For cord-cutters, streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream will carry coverage.
 

 

 

Top NBA Draft Prospects in 2025: Who’s Going No. 1 Overall?

Cooper Flagg (Duke, Forward) 

Cooper Flagg has been projected to go number one for months — and with good reason. Flagg, a 6’9” forward from Maine, combines elite basketball IQ with NBA-ready skills on both ends of the court.  His quickness, shooting prowess, and strong decision-making should allow him to keep defenders honest on every level of the court. He posted 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.4 BPG, and 1.4 SPG in his lone season at Duke.

A relentless competitor with vision, shot-blocking, and smooth offensive mechanics, he’s widely seen as a franchise cornerstone, receiving comps to superstars like Kevin Garnett, Scottie Pippen, and Jayson Tatum. 

Currently, Flagg is sitting at -100,000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to be selected first overall. After having a good visit with the Mavericks, who hold the number one pick, it would be an all-time shocker for him to get passed up by Dallas. 

Other Top Prospects

Dylan Harper (Rutgers, Guard) and Ace Bailey (Rutgers, Forward) are each sitting at +20,000 to go number one on DraftKings Sportsbook. The physically imposing guard Harper and freak athlete Bailey should both be considered top-five locks, but will almost definitely not hear their names called at number one.

 

 

 

Sleeper Picks and Deep Prospects to Watch in the 2025 NBA Draft

Every year, a few second-rounders or late first-round picks defy expectations. Here are some names to stash in your dynasty or keeper fantasy league—or bet on if you're into longshots:

Derik Queen (Maryland, C/F)

A bruising big with polished post footwork and high basketball IQ coming off a great run with Maryland. His passing from the high post could carve out early rotation minutes, especially in teams needing backup centers. Could slip into the late first round.

Noa Essengue (Germany)

Raw but promising forward with a 7'2" wingspan. Essengue impressed scouts with his athleticism and motor at the Nike Hoop Summit. He's a deep developmental stash, but high-upside teams (like OKC) might bite.

Carter Bryant (Arizona)

One of the most polarizing prospects — Bryant has NBA tools but inconsistent production. At 6'8", he has wing size and a developing jumper. Could become a value pick for dynasty leagues if he lands with a team known for player development.

Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida)

An older guard who can light it up from deep and handle the ball. After his magical title run with Florida, Clayton is looking to be an early contributor. He projects as a plug-and-play second-unit scorer—think a younger Patty Mills.
 

 

 

Fantasy Basketball Outlook: Rookies Who Could Make an Immediate Impact

1. Cooper Flagg (Duke, Forward) 

Expect him to be drafted in redraft leagues as high as the 8th–10th round, depending on preseason buzz. He offers value across five categories, including stocks (steals + blocks). Think early-career Anthony Davis with playmaking.

2. Dylan Harper (Rutgers, Guard) 

A great late pick for fantasy teams needing assists and rebounds from the guard position. He may have growing pains, but he'll have the ball in his hands on a bad team, which is gold in fantasy.

3. Ace Bailey (Rutgers, Forward)

Ideal for 3-point streaming or as a bench stash in category leagues. His upside is tremendous, especially if he lands on a team that lets him shoot.

4. V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor, Guard)

A defensive-minded wing who should contribute immediately. If he develops a consistent jumper, he could break into the top 100 fantasy players within two seasons.

5. Khaman Maluach (Duke, Center)

If you're in need of blocks, he’s your late-round flier. His per-minute numbers could resemble those of Walker Kessler.

 

 

 

How To Bet On The 2025 NBA Draft At DraftKings Sportsbook & Get a $150 Bonus Today

Last but certainly not least, here is how you can claim a $150 DraftKings welcome bonus! It is so simple to grab yours just in time for the first pick:

  1. Sign up here for a new DraftKings account
  2. Place your first bet for $5 or more on anything
  3. Receive $150 in bonus bets NO MATTER WHAT

From exact picks to players landing in the top 10, there is plenty to bet on. Plus, with this promo, you do not even need to bet on the NBA Draft specifically! There is no reason not to take advantage of this offer! No DraftKings promo code is required when you open your new account using our links and banners!