The 2025 NBA draft lottery is set to take place on Monday night in Chicago, and it holds significant implications for teams vying for the first pick in this year’s draft. The New Orleans Pelicans boast the fourth-best odds of snagging the top selection, with a 12.5% chance, trailing only the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets, each at 14%.
This year’s lottery is largely anticipated to revolve around the talent of Cooper Flagg, the reigning National Player of the Year. Securing the top pick would likely mean selecting Flagg, a prospect highly regarded for his skills.
The Pelicans are excited about the possibility of channeling some of their past success with Duke University basketball as Zion Williamson, who was drafted first overall in 2019 following his own outstanding season at Duke, will represent the team in Chicago. Despite facing challenges throughout his career due to injuries, Williamson has proven to be a formidable player when healthy, averaging 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in the current season, with impressive shooting numbers of 56.7% from the field.
Alongside the Pelicans, the Philadelphia 76ers will also have a former Duke star, Jared McCain, representing them during the lottery. The 76ers are positioned with the fifth-best odds at 10.5%.
The excitement builds as fans eagerly await the draft lottery, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, holding the potential to reshape team rosters and futures in the league.
With exciting prospects like Flagg on the horizon, the upcoming draft could mark a new beginning for several franchises.