Full Breakdown
NBA Draft 2026: Tiebreakers Set the Stage for Lottery
4/21/2026, 11:37:21 AM
Tiebreaker Results and Draft Order
On April 20, 2026, the NBA conducted random drawings to resolve six ties among teams that finished the regular season with identical records, determining the order of selection for the upcoming NBA Draft. The drawings were overseen by NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell and the accounting firm Ernst & Young. The results of the tiebreakers are as follows:
- Utah Jazz (22-60) won against the Sacramento Kings for the No. 4 lottery position.
- New Orleans Pelicans (26-56) triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks for the No. 7 spot.
- Phoenix Suns (45-37) secured the No. 16 pick, winning against the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
- Toronto Raptors (46-36) won against the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 19 pick.
- Houston Rockets (52-30) defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 22 selection.
- New York Knicks (53-29) bested the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 24 pick.
The NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 10, 2026, where the top four picks will be determined.
Lottery Odds
The lottery odds for the teams involved are as follows:
1. Washington Wizards: 14.0%
2. Indiana Pacers: 14.0%
3. Brooklyn Nets: 14.0%
4. Utah Jazz: 11.5%
5. Sacramento Kings: 11.5%
6. Memphis Grizzlies: 9.0%
7. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): 6.8%
8. Dallas Mavericks: 6.7%
9. Chicago Bulls: 4.5%
10. Milwaukee Bucks: 3.0%
The remaining picks from 11 to 30 will be assigned based on the teams' regular-season records.
Implications of Tiebreakers
The tiebreakers have significant implications for several teams. For instance, the Jazz's victory over the Kings ensures they will not fall below the No. 8 pick, preserving their top-eight protected selection that would have otherwise gone to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pelicans, who traded their pick to the Hawks, will not directly benefit from their tiebreaker win, as the Hawks will have the better of the two picks.
The Philadelphia 76ers, who finished with a strong record of 52-30, will utilize the No. 22 pick acquired from the Rockets, which they received in a trade involving Jared McCain. This pick is seen as valuable in a draft class projected to be historically deep.
Criticism and Opposition
While the tiebreakers were conducted fairly, some teams expressed concerns about the randomness of the process. Critics argue that relying on chance to determine draft positions can undermine competitive integrity, especially for teams that strategically positioned themselves for higher picks.
What's Next
The NBA Draft Lottery on May 10 will finalize the order for the top four picks, with teams hoping for favorable outcomes to enhance their rosters. The first round of the NBA Draft will take place on June 23, followed by the second round on June 24. As teams prepare for the draft, the outcomes of the lottery will significantly influence their strategies moving forward.
