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:
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 |
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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