Sam Presti has interesting theory on polarizing 3-2-1 NBA draft lottery odds
One of the more radical changes in recent NBA history will be implemented in the upcoming 2026-27 regular season. To fight off the self-proclaimed tanking epidemic, Adam Silver and the Board of Governors have completely shaken up the usual NBA draft lottery odds formula. Now, there's really zero incentive to bottom out. In fact, it's the opposite. The draft lottery will expand from 14 to 16 teams. The seven best teams that do not qualify for the postseason will receive three lottery balls. The bottom three teams in the standings will only get two lottery balls. The No. 9-10 play-in tournament teams will get two lottery balls apiece. And the No. 7 vs. No. 8 seed play-in tournament game losers will get three lottery balls apiece. Got all that? It can be a bit confusing to properly understand, but the gist of it is the worse your record is, the fewer lottery balls you'll receive. And teams will now have even more incentive to advance in the play-in tournament. Either they clin...