Sunday’s NBA Draft lottery doesn’t come with the fanfare of last year’s edition, when French phenom Victor Wembanyama was the prize every team wanted.
The Spurs quickly learned what ping pong ball luck can do for a franchise. San Antonio didn’t sniff out playoff contention in Wembanyama’s rookie season, but the No. 1 pick left no doubt that he has all the makings of a franchise player and future MVP candidate.
Make no mistake: there is no Victor Wembanyama in this year’s draft. The 2024 NBA Draft class is considered one of the worst in recent memory, so there is no need to guarantee that the lottery winner will be a player who changes franchises.
That doesn’t mean some aren’t available. The 2013 draft was also seen as short on talent. Eleven years later, that assessment certainly doesn’t seem wrong. However, it still produced a two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert.
The talent is out there, regardless of whether there is a Wembanyama on the line or not. The NBA world will find out on Sunday which teams will get the first chance.
Here’s a closer look at how the NBA Draft lottery works and which teams have the best odds in 2024.
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2024 NBA Draft Lottery Odds
The Pistons and Wizards share the highest odds of landing the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft at 14 percent, followed by the Hornets and Trail Blazers.
| Equipment | Odds of winning the first election |
| Pistons | 14.0% |
| magicians | 14.0% |
| Hornets | 13.3% |
| Trail jackets | 13.2% |
| Spurs | 10.5% |
| Raptors* | 9.0% |
| Grizzlies | 7.5% |
| Jazz* | 6.0% |
| Rockets (via Nets) | 4.5% |
| Falcons | 3.0% |
| Bulls | 2.0% |
| Rockets* | 1.5% |
| Kings | 0.8% |
| Warriors* | 0.7% |
The Raptors, Jazz, Rockets (via the 12th pick) and Warriors would keep their selection should they move up to the top four. However, Houston’s 12th pick would go to the Thunder if he doesn’t make the top four, and the Warriors’ pick would go to the Trail Blazers if he doesn’t make the top four.
The Raptors pick must remain in the top six, otherwise it would go to the Spurs. Utah’s pick would go to the Thunder if it falls outside the top 10, but that scenario is extremely unlikely as it would require three teams to jump the Jazz in the draft order.
NBA Draft Lottery Odds for Top Four Picks
The NBA Draft Lottery determines the first four picks in June’s draft. In a draft without a clear No. 1 player, simply making the top four could be a big win.
Here are the odds for each team to get a top-four pick in Sunday’s lottery:
| Equipment | Odds of getting a top 4 pick |
| Pistons | 52.1% |
| magicians | 52.1% |
| Hornets | 50.3% |
| Trail jackets | 50.0% |
| Spurs | 42.8% |
| Raptors* | 37.2% |
| Grizzlies | 32.0% |
| Jazz* | 26.3% |
| Rockets (via Nets) | 20.3% |
| Falcons | 13.9% |
| Bulls | 9.4% |
| Rockets* | 7.1% |
| Kings | 3.8% |
| Warriors* | 3.4% |
As mentioned, the Raptors, Jazz, Rockets (12th pick), and Warriors would keep their selection if they moved up to the top four. If they don’t, the Rockets’ 12th pick and the Warriors’ No. 12 pick would go to Oklahoma City and Portland, respectively.
The Raptors and Jazz can still keep their picks without jumping to the top four. Toronto only needs to prevent one team from jumping ahead and knocking them out of the top six, while the Jazz would need to be overtaken by three teams to lose their pick.
What time is the 2024 NBA Draft lottery?
- Date: Sunday, May 12, 2024
- Time: 3 pm eastern time
The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery drawing will take place on Sunday, May 12 from Chicago.
What channel is the NBA Draft Lottery on?
The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery can be watched on ESPN or streamed live on ESPN+ or Sling.
