2017 NBA Draft Lottery: Odds, how to watch and what to watch

With the NBA Draft Lottery taking place this week, we preview it with the odds for each team and a few key storylines to watch for

Arguably the most exciting two minutes in sports is upon us as ping-pong balls, awkward close-ups and guaranteed disappointment will be in full force. The NBA Draft lottery is here!

When: Tuesday May 16th

Time: 8:00 PM (ET)

Where to Watch: ESPN

Here are the odds of every team in the lottery of landing the No. 1 selection:

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Things To Watch For

Boston Celtics

Despite currently being in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Boston Celtics have the best odds to land the No. 1 overall pick. Thanks to the trade with Brooklyn that sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Nets, the Celtics is a case of the rich getting richer.

In a point guard heavy draft, it will be interesting to see how the Celtics approach this draft – with or without the top pick.

Currently, they are set at the position with All-Star Isaiah Thomas manning the position. Thomas will be a free agent after 2018, when he will be 29 years old. Perhaps the Celtics will start looking towards the future?

Lakers/Sixers

If the Lakers’ pick lands outside the top 3, then the Sixers will take their selection (it is only top 3 protected). Currently, the Lakers have a 46.9 percent chance of being in the top 3, but all that tanking could backfire as anything outside the top three will belong to the Sixers.

The Sixers have the potential of landing two of the top four picks if all goes right. Trust the Process?

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are the only team with two picks in the NBA Draft Lottery, landing another first rounder pick in sending DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans. A team in desperate need of star power will get the opportunity to land two prospects to come in and contribute immediately.

All that being said, it is still possible for the Pelicans to keep their pick if they happen to land in the top 3 (4.0% odds). However, outside of top three the pick will belong to the Kings.

With the thoughts of losing one of their picks, the Kings have to worry about losing BOTH lottery picks. If the Kings fall out of the top 10, the pick would then belong to the Chicago Bulls thanks to a ridiculous trade with the Cavs back in 2011.

Must Read: NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Lead Guards Carry The Draft

It would very “Sacramento King-like” to lose both their picks in such fashion.

Those things and more to keep your eyes on as the draft lottery officially begins the path to the draft on June 22nd.