Bulls Tie Bucks in Lottery Standings After Defeating Wizards

Coach Billy Donovan maintains focus on winning despite implications for draft position

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:03am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the motion and intensity of a basketball game, with players' forms blending into the vibrant brushstrokes.The Bulls' hard-fought win over the Wizards showcases the team's determination to compete at the highest level, despite the high stakes of the NBA Draft lottery.Today in Milwaukee

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Washington Wizards 119-108 on Thursday, putting them in a tie with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 9th and 10th spots in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery order. Bulls coach Billy Donovan discussed the significance of the standings, emphasizing the organization's focus on integrity and giving their best effort despite having a short-handed roster.

Why it matters

The difference between the 9th and 10th lottery spots is significant, with the 9th pick having a 4.5% chance at the top selection and a 20.3% chance at a top-4 pick in the loaded 2026 draft class, compared to just 3% and 13.9% for the 10th pick. However, the Bulls' front office has made it clear that the focus remains on winning games rather than tanking for draft position.

The details

In the win over the Wizards, Bulls forward Leonard Miller had a career night with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Tre Jones led the team with 31 points. Coach Donovan acknowledged the percentages and standings, but maintained that the organization's view is to uphold the integrity of the game and give their best effort, even with a short-handed roster.

  • The Bulls' win over the Wizards on Thursday, April 10, 2026, put them in a tie with the Bucks for the 9th and 10th spots in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery order.
  • The Bulls have two games left to play in the regular season.

The players

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who discussed the team's focus on winning despite the implications for their draft position.

Leonard Miller

A Bulls forward who had a career night against the Wizards, scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Tre Jones

A Bulls player who led the team with 31 points in the win over the Wizards.

Michael Reinsdorf

The president of the Chicago Bulls, who recently spoke about the organization's focus on keeping coach Billy Donovan in the mix as they search for new front office leadership.

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What they’re saying

“From the top, and I think (team president) Michael (Reinsdorf) even spoke about this, there's just an organizational view that there's an integrity to the game. And with the number of guys we have out and the fact that we've had to elevate some of the guys from the G League team, and the fact that we have nine guys, I just feel like every player is going to go out there and do their very best, as I think all the coaches are too.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls

“Obviously, there's going to be a search in terms of what they want to do. We're going to sit down and talk about those things. And I want what is best for the Bulls too, and I think from my perspective all the things he was talking about was just endorsing and supporting me, but I also understand that everyone has to look out for what is best for the Bulls at that point and time.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls

What’s next

The Bulls have two games left in the regular season, and the results will determine whether they finish in the 9th or 10th spot in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery order.

The takeaway

The Bulls' focus on maintaining integrity and giving their best effort, even with a short-handed roster, highlights the organization's commitment to their fans and the sport of basketball. While the draft lottery implications are significant, the team's approach reflects a principled stance that could resonate with the local community.