NBA draft lottery 2025: odds, top picks, and Cooper Flagg's projected landing

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The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is set to take place on Monday evening, with several teams vying for the top pick that could change their future. According to TV5 ESPN, the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each have a 14% chance to win the No. 1 overall pick, making them the leading contenders in the lottery. The New Orleans Pelicans follow closely with a 12.5% chance, while the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors have lower odds but remain in the mix.

The draft lottery will determine the order for the first round of the NBA Draft, which is scheduled for June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Cooper Flagg, a Duke freshman and the consensus No. 1 pick, is the biggest name in this draft class. His talent and potential have made him the primary focus for teams hoping to rebuild or strengthen their roster. ESPN notes that Dylan Harper is expected to be a strong candidate for the No. 2 pick, while other players like Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson add depth to the draft pool.

The NBA draft combine, which starts shortly after the lottery, will be a key event for players to showcase their skills and improve their draft stock. ESPN reports that about 120 players, including Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, will participate in the combine held in Chicago. This event features drills, athletic testing, medical exams, interviews, and scrimmages, all watched closely by NBA teams, coaches, and executives.

The combine is often seen as the unofficial start of free agency because teams begin planning trades and signings based on what they learn about players. Cooper Flagg’s performance at the combine will be especially important, as the team that drafts him is expected to gain a major asset. Flagg led Duke to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance, earning several national player of the year awards. His ability to impact the game on both offense and defense makes him a unique prospect. ESPN emphasizes that the lottery and combine together will shape the offseason moves and the future of many NBA franchises.

Cooper Flagg’s potential impact on whichever team drafts him first overall has been a hot topic among analysts and oddsmakers. Yahoo Sports highlights that Flagg is considered the prize of the 2025 draft class and could significantly improve the title chances of the team that selects him. Flagg’s skill set and versatility as a 6-foot-9 forward make him a transformative player.

According to experts, his ceiling might not be as high as some past No. 1 picks like Anthony Edwards or Victor Wembanyama, but his value depends heavily on the team environment he joins. Some see San Antonio as an intriguing landing spot because of its appeal to young players. Flagg’s presence could change a franchise’s trajectory, making the lottery results even more critical. The excitement around Flagg and the rest of the draft class shows how important this event is for the NBA’s future.

Sources:

http://tv5.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45001731/2025-nba-draft-lottery-odds-every-team-potential-picks-buzz-jazz-wizards-hornets-pelicans

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45068086/2025-nba-draft-combine-preview-players-workouts-watch-chicago-cooper-flagg

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-draft-2025-betting-odds-lines-how-cooper-flagg-would-change-the-title-odds-for-every-lottery-team-161657859.html

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