The dust has settled on the NBA Play-In Tournament, and with it, the field for the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is officially locked in. While the final selection order won't be determined until the lottery itself, we now know which 14 teams will be in the room hoping for a franchise-altering ping-pong ball bounce.
In the East, the Orlando Magic secured the final playoff berth, leaving the Charlotte Hornets (44-38) holding the 14th and final lottery position. Out West, the Phoenix Suns' victory to claim the 8th seed had ripple effects, locking the Golden State Warriors into the No. 11 spot and shifting the Oklahoma City Thunder's pick (via the LA Clippers) to the 12th-best odds.
Before the odds are finalized, a couple of key tie-breakers must be resolved on April 20. The Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings are tied for the 4th position, while the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks are knotted at No. 7. These placements are crucial, as they directly impact each team's percentage chance at landing the top pick.
While projected shifts might seem minor, the lottery is famous for its surprises. Remember, the Dallas Mavericks famously defied long odds to secure the top pick not long ago, a reminder that every percentage point matters when dreaming of a generational talent.
The road to the draft is now clearly marked. The Early Entry deadline closes on April 24, shaping the initial prospect pool. Prospects will then showcase their skills at the NBA Combine from May 8-10, culminating in the Draft Lottery on May 10th. The main event, the 2026 NBA Draft, is set for June 23 and 24.