The Boston Celtics may not have had a pick in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery, but that didn't stop them from coming away with some unexpected good news. According to the team behind the "Still Poddable" YouTube channel, the lottery results delivered a hidden win for Boston—thanks to an unusual twist involving the Indiana Pacers.

Here's the breakdown: The Pacers traded away a future first-round pick in their deal for Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac, but they protected it in a peculiar way. That pick ended up being one of the most valuable in the draft—until the lottery balls didn't bounce Indiana's way. The protection clause kicked in, and the Pacers lost what would have been a prime selection, leaving Boston fans with a reason to smile.

In the NBA, where draft picks can shape a franchise's future for years, any edge is worth celebrating. For Celtics supporters, this stroke of luck means a potential rival's loss is Boston's gain—a small but satisfying win in the long game of team building.

Want the full story? Check out the "Still Poddable" clip below to hear their take on how the lottery balls worked in Boston's favor, even without a ticket in the drawing.