When is the NBA Draft lottery? Date, time, format and how to watch

The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is just days away, and fans, executives, and players alike are speculating about which franchise will secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick, a selection that could dramatically reshape the future of a team. The NBA Draft lottery employs a randomized drawing system to determine the selection order for the first 14 picks.

These lottery selections are critical, often serving as the lifeline for franchises seeking to rebuild around standout talent. The top four picks are determined by the lottery itself, while the remaining teams in the lottery draw select in positions five through 14, according to the reverse order of their 2025-26 regular-season records. The rest of the first round (picks 15 to 30) and the entire second round follow the same reverse order format.

Every team is guaranteed one pick per round, ensuring that talent is distributed as equitably as possible across the league. Heading into the NBA Draft Lottery, the Washington Wizards , Indiana Pacers , and Brooklyn Nets each hold a 14% chance of winning the top pick due to their regular-season records. However, the lottery’s element of chance means that even teams with the worst records aren’t guaranteed the No.

1 selection. Upsets and surprises are common with the NBA Draft Lottery. Here is how to watch and what to know about the event.