The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery will take place today, May 12, 2025, in Chicago. This high-stakes event will determine the first 14 picks for the upcoming NBA Draft, shaping the future of several franchises.
Key Dates to Remember
- 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
- June 15: NBA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline (5 p.m. ET)
- June 25: NBA Draft First Round
- June 26: NBA Draft Second Round
Teams Participating in the 2025 Draft Lottery
The teams eligible for the lottery are those that missed the 2025 NBA Playoffs. In the East, the teams are Atlanta, Brooklyn, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Washington. In the West, the lottery teams include Dallas, New Orleans, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, and Utah.
Lottery Odds Breakdown
The lottery odds for each of the 14 teams are determined by their regular-season records. The teams with the worst records have the highest odds of securing the No. 1 pick. Here’s a look at the odds for the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery:
- Utah (17-65): 14.0%
- Washington (18-64): 14.0%
- Charlotte (19-63): 14.0%
- New Orleans (21-61): 12.5%
- Philadelphia (24-58): 10.5%
- Brooklyn (26-56): 9.0%
- Toronto (30-52): 7.5%
- San Antonio (34-48): 6.0%
- Phoenix (36-46): 3.8%
- Portland (36-46): 3.7%
- Dallas (39-43): 1.8%
- Chicago (39-43): 1.7%
- Sacramento (40-42): 0.8%
- Atlanta (40-42): 0.7%
The lottery system ensures that no team finishes worse than the fifth pick. The first four picks are drawn through a random process, with the remaining picks assigned by reverse order of record.
How the Lottery Works
In the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, 14 teams will be vying for the top four selections. A lottery machine will randomly draw four ping-pong balls, each representing a team’s odds. The first four selections will be determined by the outcome, and the other teams will pick in inverse order of their regular-season records.
The NBA Board of Governors revamped the lottery system in 2019, leveling the playing field by giving the teams with the three worst records each a 14% chance of securing the top pick.
Top Draft Prospects for 2025
As the lottery unfolds, NBA fans will be eager to see who lands the top pick. Among the highly anticipated prospects are:
- Cooper Flagg (Duke): A versatile power forward with a major defensive presence.
- Dylan Harper (Rutgers): A playmaking point guard with impressive scoring and passing skills.
- Ace Bailey (Rutgers): A dynamic, athletic small forward with a seven-foot wingspan.
These players are expected to make an immediate impact at the next level, and the teams in the lottery will be closely watching to see who they can add to their rosters.
What’s Next After the Lottery?
Following the lottery, teams will continue to finalize their draft strategies, with the NBA Draft taking place on June 25, 2025, for the first round and June 26, 2025, for the second round.
As the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery approaches, all eyes will be on the ping-pong balls, as franchises look to land future stars. The event marks a pivotal moment in the NBA season, setting the stage for what could be another game-changing draft class.
