The 2016–17 regular season has concluded, and now, the rundown of the projected lottery order based on final standings and odds has been released.
Drawing of ping pong balls will take place on May 16 at 8 p.m. EDT. Nothing is set until then, but it has been documented that the Boston Celtics (20–62) have found themselves in best position to get their hands on the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA draft come June 22 via the Brooklyn Nets. Their odds for the overall No. 1 pick is at 25 percent and at 64.3 percent for the top three.
They are followed by the Phoenix Suns (24–58) at 19.9 percent odds for first pick and 64.3 percent for the top three, Los Angeles Lakers (26–56) at 15.6 percent and 55.8 percent, Philadelphia 76ers (28–54) at 11.9 percent and 37.8 percent, and Orlando Magic (29–53) at 8.8 percent. Minnesota Timberwolves (31–51) and New York Knicks (31–51) are both at 5.3 percent and 18.3 percent for the first pick and the top three, respectively.
As for the other teams, Sacramento Kings (32–50) at 2.8 percent for the No. 1 pick and 9.9 percent for the top three, Dallas Mavericks (33–49) at 1.7 percent and 6.1 percent, New Orleans Pelicans (34–48) at 1.1 percent and four percent; Charlotte Hornets (36–46) at 0.8 percent and 2.9 percent, Detroit Pistons (37–45) at 0.7 percent and 2.5 percent; Denver Nuggets (40–42) at 0.6 percent and 2.2 percent for top three, and Miami Heat (41–41) at 0.5 percent and 1.8 percent.
The Boston Celtics have not "held the top pick since 1980, when they traded it to the Golden State Warriors for the No. 3 pick (Hall of Fame forward Kevin McHale) and Hall of Fame center Robert Parish."
As to how the lottery works, according to CBS Sports, each team that does not make it to the playoffs is included in the lottery. The team with the worst record bags the highest chance of getting the No.1 overall pick, and only the top three picks are decided through the draw. If there are any ties, a coin flip will be done to break it.
