Monday brings the yearly anticipation of the 2025 NBA draft lottery, drawing the entire league to Chicago as offseason activities ramp up for most franchises.
With Cooper Flagg widely projected as the top overall pick and the headliner of the draft class, Dylan Harper presenting a strong possibility at number two, and a group of intriguing young players – many of them freshmen – following closely, this Monday`s event is set to be a captivating lottery night. The future prospects of at least 13 NBA teams heavily depend on the combinations that are drawn.
Draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo provide an overview of the outlook for each team in the lottery, offering insights into their upcoming offseasons and suggesting the best prospect fit for each if the current order holds. However, history indicates that surprises are probable.
Here is essential information looking forward to Monday`s draft lottery:
No. 1 Utah Jazz
No. 1 pick odds: 14% | Top-four pick odds: 52.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Cooper Flagg, Duke, SF/PF
- 2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers, PG
- 3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers, SG/SF
- 4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor, SG
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 1: Flagg
Any NBA team would be thrilled to acquire Flagg, but Utah particularly stands out as needing the star power of the Duke freshman more than others. The Jazz intentionally positioned themselves to finish with the league`s worst record (17-65) this season. Following the trades of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, officially beginning their rebuilding phase, Utah has had two relatively unproductive years in the lottery (2022-24), winning 37 and 31 games respectively.
While not a complete solution to all their issues, Flagg would establish a large, versatile, and highly formidable frontcourt alongside Lauri Markkanen (if considered to fit Utah`s timeline) and Walker Kessler, while also being given the kind of shot-creation responsibility necessary for him to reach his full potential.
What we`re hearing on the Jazz: Attracting star free agents to Utah has traditionally been challenging, placing pressure on the front office to succeed significantly in the trade market and especially through the draft, where the franchise holds numerous future assets.
The Jazz possess two first-round picks (this one and the No. 21 pick) and two second-rounders in this year`s draft, plus a substantial collection of future picks from the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Lakers, and Suns through 2031. Utah`s devoted fanbase will await the lottery night results anxiously, hoping to hit the jackpot with Flagg at No. 1, or at worst, not drop past No. 2 where Harper also presents a promising long-term fit.
No. 2 Washington Wizards
No. 1 pick odds: 14% | Top-four pick odds: 52.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Edgecombe
- 4. Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 2: Harper
Harper offers the kind of ballhandling strength the Wizards could use to enhance their offense over time, capable of pressuring defenses by driving downhill and simplifying things for teammates. Despite Rutgers not making the NCAA tournament, Harper showed glimpses of talent as a playmaker and scorer, with the finishing ability and passing vision to handle significant usage. He would pair well in pick-and-roll with lob threat Alex Sarr and is big enough to play alongside promising guard Bub Carrington.
His basketball intelligence and positional size align with the philosophy of a rebuilding team and should make him appealing to all teams in the lottery, with a strong chance of being selected second overall regardless of which team holds the pick.
What we`re hearing on the Wizards: The Wizards stand out as a particularly interesting destination for Flagg, who would form a strong defensive core with Sarr and have the opportunity to expand his offensive game in Washington. There are also strong advocates for Harper within the front office; the Rutgers guard would provide the Wizards with a lead playmaker to build their offense around.
Washington is dedicated to its long-term process and will likely be in the lottery conversation again next year, positioning them to keep taking significant swings at the top of the draft. If their 2024 draft selections are any indication, the Wizards highly value positional size and target young players with good basketball IQ. If they don`t secure a top-two pick, these criteria will still influence their direction.
No. 3 Charlotte Hornets
No. 1 pick odds: 14% | Top-four pick odds: 52.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 3: Bailey
Bailey represents both immense talent potential and a good positional fit, bringing the kind of tall, athletic, dynamic perimeter scoring wing player every NBA team desires. He is still far from realizing his full potential but showed glimpses of excellence as a freshman at Rutgers.
He would be an excellent pairing on paper with the dynamic playmaking skills of Charlotte`s LaMelo Ball and the offensive versatility, skill, and feel for the game of Brandon Miller, potentially helping to mitigate some of Bailey`s current deficiencies in those areas.
What we`re hearing on the Hornets: Less than two years after an ownership change and a complete overhaul of the front office and coaching staff, the Hornets are still actively acquiring talent. Much depends on the outcome of this year`s draft lottery to help them emerge from the NBA`s lower ranks.
Miller, the Hornets` 2023 No. 2 pick, has demonstrated considerable promise when healthy, but missed significant time this season due to a wrist injury and other ailments. A major decision looms regarding the 23-year-old Ball, who has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate, but he has participated in only 105 games over the past three seasons because of injuries.
Following the unsuccessful Mark Williams trade attempt with the Lakers at the deadline and a somewhat discouraging season from rookie Tidjane Salaun, the Hornets have time on their side but desperately need good luck on May 12 to steer the franchise in a more defined direction.
No. 4 New Orleans Pelicans
No. 1 pick odds: 12.5% | Top-four pick odds: 48.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Edgecombe
- 4. Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 4: Edgecombe
Edgecombe would likely be quite appealing to New Orleans, a team that has been seeking young backcourt star power. There will be considerable discussion and varying opinions among teams regarding which prospect ranks third after Flagg and Harper are off the board, making this area of the draft particularly interesting to analyze as the combine approaches.
Some within the league consider Edgecombe a slightly safer option than Bailey, and he might make more sense for the Pelicans even if both are available. Edgecombe`s physicality and potential to develop as a ballhandler offer significant upside, though he has a long way to go to handle such a large role.
What we`re hearing on the Pelicans: It remains to be seen what approach the Pelicans will take in the draft with veteran executives Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver now leading decision-making. Rival teams are curious to assess this. New Orleans has been stagnant for the past few seasons, with untimely injuries and Zion Williamson`s difficulty staying healthy defining their outcomes.
There is certainly enough talent on the roster that a positive turnaround next season should be a realistic goal, potentially making this the Pelicans` best opportunity to draft near the top for the foreseeable future. Neither Dumars nor Weaver has historically hesitated to take big swings, which could make them unpredictable in both the draft and trade market as they inherit a relatively favorable situation in terms of personnel and draft picks.
No. 5 Philadelphia 76ers
No. 1 pick odds: 10.5% | Top-four pick odds: 42.1%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 5: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma, point guard
Both Fears and Tre Johnson are expected to be considered even higher – potentially starting at No. 3, as there is considerable excitement in NBA circles regarding the long-term potential of both prospects. Fears` performances late in the season in the SEC and NCAA tournaments highlighted the significant star power and potential he possesses as a primary shot creator who can consistently get into the paint, score in various ways, and find teammates creatively while on the move.
Johnson`s superior positional fit (alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain), readiness to contribute, and his size and length will keep him firmly in discussions in this range as well. The outcome of workouts, interviews, and background research is likely to heavily influence the direction the Sixers (or other teams picking here) ultimately choose.
What we`re hearing on the 76ers: The 76ers went from being among the top five contenders in preseason odds to win the championship in Las Vegas to ending with the NBA`s fifth-worst record (24-58). Things could worsen on draft lottery night if two or more teams jump ahead, pushing Philadelphia down to the No. 7 pick or lower. In that scenario, their pick would be conveyed to Oklahoma City as part of the 2020 Al Horford trade.
If the Sixers do land in the top six (they have a 64.6% chance), they face a difficult decision. Should they aim to draft the player best equipped to help this version of their roster win games next season, or select the prospect they believe will be the superior player in five years?
No. 6 Brooklyn Nets
No. 1 pick odds: 9.0% | Top-four pick odds: 37.2%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 6: Tre Johnson, Texas, shooting guard
Johnson has boosted his draft stock after a season that highlighted his scoring ability, although sometimes at the expense of efficiency. While the Nets have relied heavily in recent seasons on Cam Thomas – another shooting guard who can be similarly ball-dominant – Johnson`s size, youth, and offensive potential make him worth considering for a team that had the third-worst offensive rating last season.
Johnson`s tendency to take difficult shots and occasional overaggressiveness make him a divisive prospect for scouts, but he is one of the draft`s most talented scorers in an offense-focused league. He would be a player worth developing who could step into a significant role immediately in Brooklyn.
What we`re hearing on the Nets: The buzz from rival teams suggests the Nets are not planning a complete long-term tank, even after regaining control of their own picks last summer. The Nets hold the most salary-cap space in the league this offseason, but with a potentially strong 2026 draft class approaching and a roster requiring significant adjustments to contend for a playoff spot, patience remains valuable here.
Brooklyn, currently without a centerpiece player, is in a position to swing for upside with this pick regardless of where it lands in the lottery as they determine the direction of their next team iteration. The Nets can afford to wait until the right star becomes available before changing gears.
No. 7 Toronto Raptors
No. 1 pick odds: 7.5% | Top-four pick odds: 31.9%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 7: Khaman Maluach, Duke, center
A strong conclusion to the season – finishing 22-21 over the final 43 games – reduced the Raptors` lottery chances, leaving them hopeful for similar luck to 2021 when they moved from No. 7 to No. 4 and selected Scottie Barnes, who became NBA Rookie of the Year and an All-Star. With Jakob Poeltl entering the final season of his contract controlled by the team (a player option for 2026-27), it makes sense to consider his replacement, as he will turn 30 before the start of the 2025-26 regular season.
Maluach brings the kind of size, defensive versatility, intensity, and character that Toronto`s front office has often favored. He is someone the Raptors will know well given their draft history and Maluach`s background from South Sudan and NBA Academy Africa. (The Raptors drafted the first player from NBA Academy Africa, Ulrich Chomche, last June.)
What we`re hearing on the Raptors: Building the right roster around Barnes and finding the best strategy to compensate for his inconsistent 3-point shooting will remain a top priority for the front office, particularly with Brandon Ingram now on the team.
With the majority of the team`s core players aged between 21 and 27, it will be interesting to see what kind of offensive improvement the Raptors can achieve next season. The team`s selection direction with this pick – whether a guard, wing, forward, or big man – will offer insight into how they view the current roster composition.
No. 8 San Antonio Spurs
No. 1 pick odds: 6.0% | Top-four pick odds: 26.3%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Edgecombe
- 4. Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 8: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois, point guard/shooting guard
Jakucionis enters the NBA with the level of offensive creativity, intangibles, and international background that have traditionally appealed to the Spurs organization.
While San Antonio has significantly strengthened its backcourt in the past year by drafting Stephon Castle and trading for De`Aaron Fox, the Spurs should be interested in Jakucionis` perimeter shooting, selflessness, and ability to play both guard positions. This skillset provides him pathways to becoming a valuable supporting player on an NBA roster and makes sense as a developmental investment for the long term.
What we`re hearing on the Spurs: San Antonio aims to reach the playoffs next season with a healthy Victor Wembanyama, meaning they will explore all options to improve their roster in the short term and will be active in the free agency and trade market for established talent.
Wembanyama`s youth and the strength of the Spurs` position allow them to maintain a long-term perspective, as shown by trading the No. 8 pick last year to Minnesota for future assets. Drafting effectively and establishing a stable long-term base around their 21-year-old rising star remains crucial.
The Fox trade indicated the Spurs` willingness to be aggressive in accelerating their timeline. The direction they take with these draft picks may reflect their assessment of their own needs and the fit of other young players on the roster.
No. 9 Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
No. 1 pick odds: 3.8% | Top-four pick odds: 17.3%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 9: Kon Knueppel, Duke, shooting guard/small forward
The Rockets acquired Phoenix`s unprotected first-round pick as part of a complex exchange with Brooklyn, which should yield significant benefits in the coming years. After a 52-20 regular season, the Rockets were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the No. 7 seed Golden State Warriors, losing in seven games and demonstrating weaknesses related to their lack of experience and offensive inconsistency.
With 2023 and 2024 first-rounders Cam Whitmore and Reed Sheppard finding limited playing time on a deep and talented roster, it is uncertain how eager Houston will be to add another young player.
Knueppel`s perimeter shooting, basketball IQ, toughness, and maturity would likely give him a better chance of breaking into the rotation and contributing in the near term than other prospects in this range, especially if the team moves towards a Sheppard/Amen Thompson backcourt in the future, with Jalen Green eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027.
What we`re hearing on the Rockets: The Rockets are expected to be a major player in trade discussions leading up to draft night, as their roster is clearly in a different stage compared to other teams selecting in the lottery regarding the franchise`s timeline.
There will likely be considerable debate about Houston`s strategy with this pick. They are a prime candidate for an `all-in` move for a veteran star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, or Ja Morant. However, they also need to consider salary cap and luxury tax implications long-term, with Green and Alperen Sengun`s contract extensions taking effect this offseason and significant spending decisions pending regarding Fred VanVleet`s team option and Steven Adams` unrestricted free agency.
No. 10 Portland Trail Blazers
No. 1 pick odds: 3.8% | Top-four pick odds: 16.9%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 10: Derik Queen, Maryland, power forward/center
Queen offers a level of offensive potential that distinguishes him from other big men in this draft, but he will need to refine his habits and improve defensively to maximize his opportunity in the NBA.
The Trail Blazers have an excellent rim protector in Donovan Clingan who could help compensate for Queen in lineups with two big men, making him an interesting possibility at this spot if Portland is willing to bet on his talent and play that style. Having a big man who can facilitate from the interior like Queen could relieve pressure on their guards and potentially make their offense more dynamic.
What we`re hearing on the Trail Blazers: Portland`s roster made a small but significant step forward this season, with internal player development and the acquisition of Deni Avdija bringing them close to a play-in tournament spot. Ownership rewarded general manager Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups with contract extensions, providing the Blazers leadership with added stability moving forward.
There is still work required to improve the team, with Clingan helping solidify the defense, Toumani Camara appearing to be a valuable find, and Scoot Henderson ideally ready for greater responsibility. Rival teams have been curious about Portland`s competitive timeline, and the direction they take this offseason will indicate their urgency to compete. An unlikely stroke of luck in the lottery would be enormously impactful in determining that direction.
No. 11 Dallas Mavericks
No. 1 pick odds: 1.8% | Top-four pick odds: 8.5%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Edgecombe
- 4. Bailey
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 11: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina, power forward
Murray-Boyles should be ready to contribute off the bench next season, possessing a level of toughness and maturity in his game that scouts appreciate. His production and consistency, even within a struggling South Carolina team, have kept him in the first-round picture and should make him a consideration for teams needing immediate depth, such as Dallas.
The Mavericks have a true rim protector in Dereck Lively II, which would allow Murray-Boyles to play the power forward position, the role he is best suited for physically. He might provide immediate value here. In a draft class featuring many younger prospects, the Mavericks might prefer to target a slightly more experienced player at this spot.
What we`re hearing on the Mavericks: The repercussions of the Luka Doncic trade are still being felt across the NBA, placing Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and the team under significant scrutiny entering next season.
Dallas holding its own pick – and having a slight chance of moving up in the draft – offers perhaps a small consolation after a series of injuries effectively ended their season. The Mavericks should be looking for a rookie who can immediately help the roster or considering using this pick to upgrade the team through other means, as the competitive window with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, assuming they stay healthy, doesn`t appear particularly long.
No. 12 Chicago Bulls
No. 1 pick odds: 1.8% | Top-four pick odds: 8%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 12: Egor Demin, BYU, point guard/shooting guard
The Bulls will certainly be hoping for a repeat of last year`s draft, where Matas Buzelis unexpectedly fell out of the top 5 to the 11th pick, proving to be a valuable selection as the season progressed.
Egor Demin is a more debated prospect but will be closely evaluated by every team drafting in this range due to his exceptional positional size, basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and long-term potential. His fit alongside Josh Giddey, who is a restricted free agent, will need to be considered based on Giddey`s status. However, Demin is the type of multi-positional prospect who could fit into various lineups if his perimeter shooting develops as anticipated.
What we`re hearing on the Bulls: The Bulls continued to maintain a middling performance this season, losing in the opening round of the play-in tournament after a 39-43 record, a decade removed from their last playoff series victory.
The trades involving DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine marked the beginning of a new era in Chicago, leaving the fanbase with little star power to rally around and searching for clarity on the franchise`s long-term strategy.
The Bulls will likely need to make more significant changes to the roster to have a realistic chance of avoiding the play-in tournament in the near future. Giddey`s restricted free agency and Coby White`s eligibility for an extension will play a crucial role in shaping the Bulls` long-term salary cap situation and roster, but the front office needs to address needs in both the frontcourt and on the wing.
No. 13 Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
No. 1 pick odds: 0.8% | Top-four pick odds: 3.8%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if the Hawks stay at No. 13: Jase Richardson, Michigan State, point guard/shooting guard
Richardson presented a strong case for himself this season as a reliable role player with room to grow, demonstrating well-rounded skills at Michigan State and solid effort playing both on and off the ball. This versatility makes sense given the Hawks` current personnel, offering a versatile option to rotate behind and alongside Trae Young and Dyson Daniels and help balance lineups.
The Hawks should also consider selecting big men at this spot to build frontcourt depth. International players like Joan Beringer and Noa Essengue offer intriguing potential.
What we`re hearing on the Hawks and Kings: Sacramento only retains this pick if it jumps into the top four; otherwise, it remains with Atlanta. This would be a clear advantage for the Kings, but the odds for this are low at 3.8%.
The Hawks are heading into the offseason after ownership fired Landry Fields, promoted Onsi Saleh to general manager, and are now searching for a president of basketball operations.
The major question for Atlanta, seemingly a yearly one, is the future of Trae Young, whose season concluded on a disappointing note with a play-in game loss to the Magic. There has been speculation for some time that the Hawks might move on from Young, but he has proven difficult to trade due to his substantial contract and Atlanta`s struggles to build a consistent winning team around him. The Hawks did make progress with their roster last season, with Dyson Daniels breaking through and Zaccharie Risacher becoming an immediate contributor, but these ongoing questions require answers this offseason.
No. 14 San Antonio (via Atlanta)
No. 1 pick odds: 0.8% | Top-four pick odds: 3.4%
If they land in the top four, they should pick …
- 1. Flagg
- 2. Harper
- 3. Bailey
- 4. Edgecombe
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 14: Will Riley, Illinois, shooting guard/small forward
The Spurs receive this pick, their second lottery selection, as part of the savvy 2022 Dejounte Murray trade, which will also provide an unprotected Hawks pick in 2027. San Antonio holds the most favorable position among lottery teams, with back-to-back NBA Rookie of the Year winners in Wembanyama and Castle on team-friendly contracts, plus numerous draft picks and swap rights headed their way in the coming years.
Adding shooting talent, both on the perimeter and in the frontcourt, will likely be a long-term priority for the franchise. Prospects like Jakucionis, Knueppel, Riley, and Carter Bryant (Arizona) are all likely to be thoroughly evaluated for the 8th and 14th picks.
What we`re hearing on the Spurs: The Spurs traded out of the 8th pick last year in exchange for Minnesota`s 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 top-one protected pick swap, indicating their willingness to take a patient approach to building the roster. They began cashing in on their pick accumulation with the Fox trade in February, and their approach in this year`s draft will reveal much about how they view the roster`s long-term trajectory.
Will they continue adding young players to surround Wembanyama, or will they make a bold move for a veteran star such as Durant or Antetokounmpo to attempt a larger leap towards championship contention?