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2025 NBA Draft Lottery: Odds, History, and How It Works

2025 NBA Draft Lottery: Odds, History, and How It Works

2025 NBA Draft Lottery: Odds, History, and How It Works

All eyes were on Chicago on May 12th, 2025, as the NBA Draft Lottery unfolded, determining the first four picks in the highly anticipated NBA Draft. The event, broadcast live on ESPN, captivated basketball fans worldwide. But how exactly does this lottery work, and what's its rich history?

Key Dates for the 2025 NBA Draft

  • April 26: NBA Early Entry Deadline (11:59 p.m. ET)
  • May 9-11: NBA G League Combine
  • May 11-18: NBA Draft Combine
  • May 12: NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
  • June 15: NBA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline (5 p.m. ET)
  • June 25: 2025 NBA Draft First Round
  • June 26: 2025 NBA Draft Second Round

Teams in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery

Fourteen teams, those who missed the 2025 NBA Playoffs, competed in the lottery:

  • East: Atlanta, Brooklyn, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto, Washington
  • West: Dallas, New Orleans, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, Utah

2025 Draft Lottery Odds

The odds for each team reflected their regular season performance. Note that some picks may be conveyed to other teams due to previous trades (indicated by asterisks in the table below):

Team Record Win % Lottery Odds
Utah 17-65 .207 14.0%
Washington 18-64 .220 14.0%
Charlotte 19-63 .232 14.0%
New Orleans 21-61 .256 12.5%
Philadelphia* 24-58 .293 10.5%
Brooklyn 26-56 .317 9.0%
Toronto 30-52 .366 7.5%
San Antonio 34-48 .415 6.0%
Phoenix (to Houston via Brooklyn) 36-46 .439 3.8%
Portland 36-46 .439 3.7%
Dallas 39-43 .476 1.8%
Chicago 39-43 .476 1.7%
Sacramento^ 40-42 .488 0.8%
Atlanta (to San Antonio) 40-42 .488 0.7%

* This pick may be conveyed to Oklahoma City
^ This pick may be conveyed to Atlanta

How the NBA Draft Lottery Works

The lottery uses 14 ping-pong balls, each numbered 1-14. Four balls are drawn to determine the order of the first four picks. The process is carefully monitored and audited for fairness. The remaining lottery teams then select in reverse order of their regular season records.

History of the NBA Draft Lottery

The NBA Draft Lottery wasn't always the sophisticated process we see today. It's evolved significantly since its inception, with changes to the odds and the number of teams involved over the years. Learn more about its fascinating evolution here.

Past Lottery Winners

Here's a glimpse at some of the notable teams and players who've benefited from winning the lottery:

{/* Add more years as needed */}
Year Team Player
2024 Atlanta Hawks Zaccharie Risacher
2023 San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama
2022 Orlando Magic Paolo Banchero
2021 Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham
2020 Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards
2019 New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson
See the complete list of lottery winners

2025 NBA Draft Prospects

For in-depth analysis of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft and latest mock drafts, check out the official NBA Draft section.

The NBA Draft Lottery is a captivating event that shapes the future of the league. Its blend of chance and strategy ensures continuous excitement and anticipation for fans and teams alike.

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