Sixers’ NBA Draft Pick Odds Increase After Loss vs Raptors

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With the Philadelphia 76ers officially eliminated from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, each loss is more like a win. Since their top draft pick is only protected through six, the 76ers could end up with just a second-rounder if the lottery doesn’t go their way.
Fortunately, a league-leading eight-game losing streak is helping the Sixers’ pick odds increase in their favor, as they are now in sole possession of fifth place in the reverse standings.
A 23-52 record is slightly worse than the Brooklyn Nets’ 24-51 record. And since the Sixers picked up a loss against the rebuilding Toronto Raptors, their Atlantic Division rival is suddenly on a four-game winning streak and sitting seventh in the reverse standings.
Following Sunday night’s loss, the Sixers’ chances of getting a top-four pick stands at 42 percent, according to Tankathon. While they have a slim shot at landing No. 1 overall, there is still a chance. Right now, it’s set at 10.5 percent.
The New Orleans Pelicans place in front of the Sixers with a 21-54 record. The Pelicans have a 48 percent shot at landing a top-four selection and a 12.5 percent chance of getting No. 1 overall.
Charlotte loses to New Orleans and gets some more breathing room on the top 3https://t.co/7M67xX52Qy pic.twitter.com/MwOfsZrHYD
— Tankathon.com (@tankathon) March 31, 2025
The Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and the Utah Jazz all hold the same percentages, which are the most favorable as April approaches. Each team has a 52 percent chance of remaining in the top four, and they have a 14 percent shot at getting the top pick.
At this stage in the season, a top-three slot is unlikely for Philadelphia. New Orleans, however, could rise enough to swap spots with the Sixers. Currently, there is a two-game difference. Plus, New Orleans holds the better head-to-head record against the Sixers this season.
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Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s Philadelphia 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia Threads: @JGrassoMedia
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