The stage is set for one of the most anticipated moments of the NBA offseason: the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. With the event taking place this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, basketball fans everywhere are eager to see which franchise will land the coveted No. 1 pick in what experts are calling a loaded draft class. This year's lottery is especially significant as it marks the last one before major reforms are expected to take effect, but for now, the current rules still apply.

The Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets enter the lottery with the best odds of securing the top selection. However, recent history has shown that luck can strike from anywhere. Just last year, the Dallas Mavericks defied the odds with a mere 1.8% chance to win the 2025 lottery, ultimately selecting Duke star Cooper Flagg, who went on to claim Rookie of the Year honors. Similarly, the Atlanta Hawks won the 2024 lottery with just a 3% probability, leading to their selection of Zaccharie Risacher.

As of now, the top 14 picks are ordered by team record, with odds attached to each slot. It's worth noting that the Atlanta Hawks will have a unique advantage due to pick swaps involving the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks. In this scenario, Atlanta will receive the higher of the two picks, while Milwaukee gets the lower one.

Looking ahead to the draft itself, BYU's AJ Dybansta and Kansas' Darryn Peterson are widely regarded as the top two prospects in a class brimming with talent. Duke's Cameron Boozer and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson are also projected as top-five selections. Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. rounds out the top five in Gary Parrish's latest mock draft.

While the lottery is always a game of chance, the longshot winners in recent years have proven that anything can happen. As teams gear up for Sunday's drawing, the excitement is palpable. Whether you're a fan of a rebuilding squad or just love the drama of draft night, this lottery could set the stage for the next NBA superstar.