The 2025 NBA draft lottery will take place in Chicago on Monday night, deciding the order of the first 14 picks in this year’s selection process.
The New Orleans Pelicans have the fourth-best odds to win the No. 1 overall pick (12.5%), trailing only the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets (14%).
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This year’s draft lottery is widely viewed as the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Whoever claims the rights to the top pick will no doubt select the reigning National Player of the Year.
The Pelicans are hoping to channel some Duke basketball magic to land the No. 1 overall pick. The organization has confirmed that Zion Williamson will represent the team in Chicago on Monday night.
New Orleans selected Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, just after he completed a stellar one-and-done collegiate season with the Blue Devils.
“Zion will represent the #Pelicans at the @NBA Draft Lottery tonight,” the team wrote in an announcement on X.
Williamson’s NBA career has been plagued with injuries. But when he’s healthy, he’s one of the league’s most dominant players. Through just 30 game appearances in 2024-25, the two-time NBA All-Star averaged 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game — shooting 56.7% from the field.
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The Pelicans finished the 2024-25 season with a 21-61 record, finishing with No. 14 position in the Western Conference.
Zion Williamson drives on Bol Bol at Footprint Center.Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers are taking a similar approach before Monday night’s NBA draft lottery, announcing former Duke basketball star Jared McCain as their on-stage representative. The 76ers hold the fifth-best odds to claim the No. 1 overall pick at 10.5%.
The 2025 NBA draft lottery will begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Related: 76ers Make Jared McCain Announcement Before 2025 NBA Draft Lottery