The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is scheduled for May 10, 2026, and will be broadcast on ESPN. This year, the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets lead the lottery odds, each with a 52.1% chance of securing a top-four pick and a 14% chance of landing the first overall pick. The draft class is anticipated to be historically significant, prompting teams to intentionally lose games to enhance their lottery positions. Key protections are in place for several teams: the Washington Wizards have a top-8 protection, while the Indiana Pacers have a top-4 protection on their pick, which will go to the Los Angeles Clippers if it falls between picks 5-9. Other notable protections include the Utah Jazz's top-8 protection and the Milwaukee Bucks' arrangement with the New Orleans Pelicans.