The NBA Draft is just around the corner, and unlike last year's predictable selection of Duke's Cooper Flagg by the Dallas Mavericks, this year is shaping up to be a nail-biter. With several top prospects vying for the coveted No. 1 spot, it's anyone's guess who will hear their name called first.
Kansas standout Darryn Peterson is a name that keeps popping up. His talent is undeniable, but some scouts might be cautious due to his occasional requests to sit out games this season. While it wasn't frequent, it's the kind of detail that could sway opinions despite his immense skill set.
Over at BYU, AJ Dybantsa is the current favorite according to FanDuel. This Cougar has been nothing short of electrifying, with raw talent that has NBA scouts buzzing.
Dybantsa's ability to change the game is what makes him such a hot prospect. Meanwhile, Duke's Cameron Boozer is also in the mix.
Though there are concerns about whether his college dominance will translate to the NBA, his potential remains sky-high.
As we inch closer to the draft on June 25 in Brooklyn, let's dive into the lottery odds and break down the top prospects.
NBA Draft Lottery Odds 2026
The race to the bottom is in full swing as teams vie for the best chance at the No. 1 pick. The Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets are all in the thick of it, each with a 14% chance. These teams have been on a losing streak, collectively dropping 39 games in a row as of March 23.
The Pacers are regrouping after a tough season, especially following Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury during the 2025 NBA Finals. With Haliburton expected back next season, adding a top-tier draft pick could be the spark Indiana needs alongside Pascal Siakam.
The Wizards, also on a 16-game skid, made bold moves by acquiring stars like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. As the second-youngest team in the league, a top-three pick could be transformative, potentially bringing in Dybantsa, Peterson, or Boozer.
The Nets, the youngest team in the NBA, have shifted focus to rebuilding through the draft after the departure of their former stars. This year's pick is crucial for them to continue their upward trajectory.
Here's how the odds stack up as of March 23:
- Pacers: 14%
- Wizards: 14%
- Nets: 14%
- Kings: 12.5%
- Jazz: 10.5%
- Mavericks: 9.0%
- Grizzlies: 7.5%
- Hawks (via Pelicans): 6.0%
- Bulls: 4.5%
- Bucks: 3.0%
- Warriors: 2.0%
- Blazers: 1.5%
- Hornets: 1.0%
- Heat: 0.5%
Who Will Go No. 1 Overall?
The debate over the top pick is as lively as ever. AJ Dybantsa leads the pack with the best odds, having wrapped up a stellar season with BYU. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, showcasing his prowess in a standout performance against Texas.
Darryn Peterson of Kansas is another contender, averaging 20.2 points and showing versatility as a 6'6" guard. His scoring abilities might shine even brighter in a different NBA system.
Duke's Cameron Boozer, the son of NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, had an impressive season, leading his team in points, rebounds, and assists. While he might not go first, he's a solid bet for a top-three selection.
Arkansas's Darius Acuff Jr. and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson are also in the conversation. Acuff is a scoring machine but needs to improve defensively. Wilson, despite injuries, has shown great potential with his near double-double averages.
As we look ahead to the draft, the excitement is building. The future of these young talents is bright, and the decisions made on draft night will shape the NBA landscape for years to come.