NBA Draft Lottery Simulator Gives Fans a Head Start on 2026 Odds
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ESPN Analytics has launched an interactive tool that lets fans simulate the 2026 NBA draft lottery ahead of the official drawing on Sunday, May 10, at 3 p.m. ET on ABC and the ESPN App.
How the simulator works
The 14-team platform mirrors the order in which selections will be unveiled on television. After every pick, on-screen notes explain how the result reshapes the odds for the remaining clubs. Probabilities of landing the No. 1 choice, moving into the top four and being revealed next are recalculated in real time.
A “user picks” option allows visitors to choose which team is announced at each slot to test specific scenarios. ESPN Analytics will also refresh its separate mock-draft simulator once the lottery order is finalized on May 10.
No. 1 pick odds
All 14 non-playoff teams, including two that traded their own selections, are in the mix. Current odds to win the top pick:
- Washington Wizards: 14%
- Indiana Pacers: 14%
- Brooklyn Nets: 14%
- Utah Jazz: 11.5%
- Sacramento Kings: 11.5%
- Memphis Grizzlies: 8.0%
- Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): 6.8%
- Dallas Mavericks: 6.7%
- Chicago Bulls: 4.5%
- Milwaukee Bucks: 3%
- Golden State Warriors: 2%
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): 1.5%
- Miami Heat: 1%
- Charlotte Hornets: 0.5%
Key pick protections and trades
The Hawks will receive the better of the Bucks’ and Pelicans’ selections, leaving the lesser pick for Milwaukee. Oklahoma City is already assured of the Clippers’ pick regardless of lottery position. Los Angeles could still secure a high choice if Indiana’s pick falls outside the top four, in which case it transfers to the Clippers.
Draft week schedule
The 2026 NBA Draft takes place June 23–24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Round 1 airs on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN App on June 23, followed by Round 2 on ESPN and the ESPN App on June 24.
ESPN’s coverage leading up to draft night includes updated mock drafts, top-100 prospect rankings and a full breakdown of the lottery process.
Source: ESPN
