2026 NBA draft lottery: How to watch, time, odds, team representatives

TL;DR

The 2026 NBA draft lottery will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. EDT in Chicago, featuring Hall of Famer Vince Carter as a team representative. The Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets have the highest odds of winning the top pick at 14%.

Key points

2026 NBA draft lottery on Sunday at 3 p.m. EDT
Vince Carter will represent a team during the lottery
Wizards, Pacers, and Nets have 14% odds for the top pick
Top prospects include Darius Acuff Jr. and Cameron Boozer
Event includes G League and draft combines with over 100 prospects

Mentioned in this story

Vince Carter

Darius Acuff Jr.Cameron BoozerMikel Brown Jr.AJ Dybantsa

Hall of Famer Vince Carter is among the individuals who will serve as a team representative during the 2026 NBA draft lottery on Sunday in Chicago, Illinois.

The 42nd annual lottery will determine the selection order for the first 14 picks of the draft (3 p.m. EDT, ESPN). Drawings will be conducted to determine the first four picks, and the remaining lottery teams will select in positions 5-14 in inverse order of their season records.

The Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets have the highest odds of winning the top pick (14%). The Utah Jazz (11.5%), Sacramento Kings (11.5%) and Memphis Grizzlies (9%) have the next highest odds of landing the first selection.

The incoming draft class is considered one of the most talented in recent memory, featuring the likes of Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson. The group is expected to produce several potential franchise-changing prospects.

The lottery is part of an action-packed week of events in the Windy City, which also includes the G League and draft combines. In all, over 100 prospects will compete in 5-on-5 games, strength and agility exercises, measurements and other related testing.