Sixers Tanking Update: Lottery Odds, Draft Picks, and Schedule

The Philadelphia 76ers' season has taken a dramatic turn. Last year, they were playoff contenders. This year, losing is the new winning strategy as the team aims for a high draft pick in the 2025 NBA draft. With their current record, the Sixers are firmly in the lottery race, but their chances of keeping their first-round pick hinge on their final games. Let's break down the situation.

The Tanking Strategy: Why Losing Matters

The Sixers' current predicament stems from the top-six protected pick acquired in the Al Horford trade. If their pick falls outside the top six, it goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This makes the remaining games crucial – a winning streak could jeopardize their lottery position and send their valuable pick to OKC.

Lottery Odds and Standings

Entering the final games, the Sixers hold the fifth-worst record in the league. Their odds of keeping their pick are relatively high at 63.9% if they maintain this position. However, there's still a risk. An improbable late-season surge could drop them to sixth place, reducing their odds to 45.8%. Conversely, surpassing the Pelicans for the fourth-worst record increases their chances to 81%. The odds for the no. 1 pick are as follows:

Team 1: 14.0%
Team 2: 14.0%
Team 3: 14.0%
Team 4: 12.5%
Team 5: 10.5% (Sixers' current position)
Team 6: 9.0%
Team 7: 7.5%
Team 8: 6.0%
Team 9: 4.5%
Team 10: 3.0%
Team 11: 2.0%
Team 12: 1.5%
Team 13: 1.0%
Team 14: 0.5%

The NBA lottery itself will take place on May 12th in Chicago.

Potential Draft Targets

The Sixers are reportedly eyeing several promising prospects, including Duke's Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach. The success of the tanking strategy hinges on landing a player who can significantly impact their future.

Sixers' Remaining Schedule

The Sixers' final three games are against teams also fighting for low positions:

Sixers at Wizards
Hawks at Sixers
Bulls at Sixers

These are critical games determining the Sixers' final standings and lottery position.

The Bigger Picture: Embiid's Future and Team Building

The Sixers' tanking strategy is not solely about getting a high draft pick. The team also needs to focus on team building and the long-term future, especially considering Joel Embiid's age and the team's overall composition. The success of this year's tank will significantly influence their competitiveness in future seasons.

Conclusion

The Sixers' tanking strategy is a high-stakes gamble. While securing a top draft pick would greatly enhance their future prospects, losing their pick to OKC presents a significant setback. Their remaining games will determine their final position, and the outcome will profoundly impact the franchise's trajectory.