NBA Tanking Tracker: Daily Look at Race to Draft Lottery

Teams jockeying for top draft picks as regular season winds down

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping basketball players, basketballs, and lottery numbers, conveying the high-stakes competition for top draft position.The final days of the NBA season see teams strategically positioning themselves for the best lottery odds and a chance at transformative draft talent.New Orleans Today

With the NBA regular season nearing its end, teams are in a race to secure the best odds for the upcoming draft lottery. This daily tracker provides an in-depth look at the standings, remaining schedules, and what's at stake for the league's bottom-dwelling squads.

Why it matters

The NBA draft lottery is a crucial event that can significantly impact a team's future, as landing a top pick can provide a transformative talent. This tracker sheds light on the high-stakes maneuvering happening behind the scenes as franchises jockey for position in the race to the bottom of the standings.

The details

The Washington Wizards currently hold the league's worst record at 17-63, giving them the best odds (14%) of securing the coveted No. 1 overall pick. Close behind are the Indiana Pacers (19-61, 14% odds) and Brooklyn Nets (20-60, 14% odds). The Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings are tied for the fourth-worst record at 21-59, each with an 11.5% chance at the top selection. Further down the standings, the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans (via Atlanta), Milwaukee Bucks, and Chicago Bulls are all in contention for a spot in the draft lottery.

  • The NBA regular season concludes on April 12, 2026.
  • The NBA draft lottery will take place shortly after the end of the regular season.

The players

Washington Wizards

The team with the league's worst record at 17-63, ensuring they will have the highest odds (14%) of securing the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Indiana Pacers

Currently tied for the second-worst record in the NBA at 19-61, giving them a 14% chance at the top selection.

Brooklyn Nets

Also tied for the second-worst record at 20-60, the Nets have a 14% probability of landing the No. 1 pick.

Utah Jazz

Sitting at 21-59, the Jazz are tied for the fourth-worst record and have an 11.5% chance at the top pick.

Sacramento Kings

Matching the Jazz's 21-59 record, the Kings also have an 11.5% probability of winning the draft lottery.

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What’s next

The NBA draft lottery will take place shortly after the conclusion of the regular season on April 12, 2026, determining the order of the top picks in the upcoming draft.

The takeaway

As the NBA regular season winds down, the race to the bottom of the standings has intensified, with several teams jockeying for the best odds at securing the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the draft. This daily tracker provides a comprehensive look at the tanking landscape, highlighting the key teams, their remaining schedules, and the high stakes involved in the pursuit of a franchise-altering talent.