3 Things About 76ers' Lottery Odds
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Sixers helped themselves immensely by losing at the buzzer in the season's finale against the Knicks. Couple that with an Orlando Magic win and Philly found themselves with the NBA's fourth-worst record.
Could this be the one? Is it time for the Sixers to get lucky?
Here is what you should know heading into the May 16th NBA Draft Lottery.
53.1% chance at acquiring Lakers' pick
The Lakers finished the season miraculously winning five of their final six games, which hurt them and helped the Sixers. Thanks to their late surge, Los Angeles moved into the third-worst record slot, giving the Sixers a better-than-coin-flip chance at acquiring the Lakers' top-three protected pick.
Here are the Lakers' odds:
- 1st pick (15.6%)
- 2nd pick (15.7%)
- 3rd pick (15.6%)
- 4th pick (22.6%)
- 5th pick (26.5%)
- 6th pick (4%)
39.5% at acquiring two top-five picks
The Sixers have nearly a 40-percent chance at acquiring two top-five picks in an excellent draft class, which would be a huge step for The Process.
14.7% chance at acquiring No. 1 overall
Thanks to the pick swap with the Kings, the Sixers have an additional 28 lottery ball combinations for the number one overall selection (14.7-percent chance), which is about three more percentage points than the team with the fourth-worst record would typically have. The Lakers have just a 15.6-percent chance at the first overall pick, in comparison.
The gold prize in this year's draft is Markelle Fultz. Fultz is the likely first overall pick and would be a perfect fit for the Sixers.
Related: Top NBA Draft Prospect Markelle Fultz 'Trusts The Process'
At 6-4, 200 pounds-ish, Fultz is a combo guard with elite athleticism. A pairing of Fultz and Simmons in the backcourt would be a nightmares for opposing defenses, for years to come.
