The 2026 NBA Draft lottery slated for Sunday, is of particular interest this year with three ballyhooed prospects – BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson of Kansas and Duke's Cameron Boozer – at the top of draft boards and a strong class of potential impact players available from there.
Recent NBA Draft lottery history hasn't favored the teams that tank. Last year, the Dallas Mavericks received the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft (and the right to choose eventual rookie of the year Cooper Flagg) with just 1.5% odds to have the right ping pong ball combination.
The Atlanta Hawks got the right to select No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher in 2024 despite 3% odds entering the draft lottery. Keep an eye on the LA Clippers (1.5% odds) because their first-round pick will convey to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
What is the NBA Draft lottery?
Introduced in 1985, the lottery system determines the order of the first 14 picks in the NBA Draft. This system was introduced as a deterrent for teams outright tanking for the No. 1 overall pick, although the teams with the worst records will have higher odds of landing a premium selection.Wherever the ping pong balls land can truly determine the trajectory of a franchise for years to come.
When is the NBA draft lottery draw.?
The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery will take place on Sunday, May 10 at McCormick Place in Chicago..
Each participating team will send a representative of the organization to the ceremony.
The NBA draft lottery is how teams who miss out on the playoffs find out where they’re selecting in the NBA draft.
Each team has set individual ping pong balls that are selected as the lottery goes on with worst teams having the better chance to get higher picks.
What time does NBA Draft Lottery Start?
The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is scheduled for Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m. ET at in Chicago.
How to Watch NBA Draft Lottery, TV, live streaming options?
The 2026 NBA Draft lottery will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. Viewers can also watch the lottery via live stream on ESPN Unlimited and Fubo.
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12:00 PT
Location: McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago, Illinois)
TV: ABC, ESPN
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo
2026 NBA draft lottery odds
Here are the odds for each NBA team in the draft lottery to receive the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft:
Washington Wizards: 14%
Indiana Pacers: 14%*
Brooklyn Nets: 14%
Utah Jazz: 11.5%
Sacramento Kings: 11.5%
Memphis Grizzlies: 9%
New Orleans Pelicans: 6.8%*
Dallas Mavericks: 6.7%
Chicago Bulls: 4.5%
Milwaukee Bucks: 3%*
Golden State Warriors: 2%
LA Clippers: 1.5%*
Miami Heat: 1%
Charlotte Hornets: 0.5%
*Pacers pick could convey to LA Clippers*Pelicans pick will convey to Atlanta or
Milwaukee*Bucks pick could convey to Atlanta via New Orleans*Clippers pick will convey to OKC Thunder
Which teams have won the most NBA draft lotteries?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have won the NBA draft lottery five separate times. Behind them stands the Orlando Magic, which emerged with the No. 1 overall pick on four occasions. That includes last year in 2022.
From here, the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers both won the NBA draft lottery on three separate occasions since the system was put in place in 1985.
______
0 Comments