Following the NBA trade deadline, nine teams are actively positioning themselves for better lottery odds in the upcoming draft. A new ranking highlights their efforts to lose games strategically amid the league's ongoing battle against tanking. The Sacramento Kings lead the list with a 13-game losing streak.
The NBA continues to grapple with tanking despite reforms like the 2019 lottery odds flattening, which gives the three worst teams a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick. High draft selections have revitalized franchises, such as the San Antonio Spurs with Victor Wembanyama (first overall), Stephon Castle (fourth), and Dylan Harper (second) in recent drafts. Unexpected lottery wins, like the Atlanta Hawks selecting Zaccharie Risacher in 2024 with a 3% chance or the Dallas Mavericks landing Cooper Flagg last year with 1.8% odds, fuel the strategy. The Philadelphia 76ers' late-season 4-29 record last year secured V.J. Edgecombe at third overall, a move fans reportedly favored over a play-in spot.
Of the league's 10 worst records, nine teams—excluding the New Orleans Pelicans, who traded their pick to Atlanta for Derik Queen—are expected to intentionally underperform. The Pelicans' trade underscores the high stakes. This Tank Watch ranking, dated Feb. 10, evaluates their efforts:
Sacramento Kings (12-43): On a 13-game losing streak, their worst since 1990, with key players like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, and DeAndre Hunter sidelined. Lesser-known players such as Nique Clifford, Dylan Cardwell, and Daeqwon Plowden have seen heavy minutes.
Indiana Pacers (13-40): Consistent losers with four straight defeats and seven losses in their last 10. They traded Benedict Mathurin to the Clippers for injured center Ivica Zubac.
Washington Wizards (14-38): Owe a top-eight protected pick to the New York Knicks. Two straight losses and six in their last 10; Trae Young (knee) has not played, and newly acquired Anthony Davis (hand, groin) may be shut down, per reports countered slightly by GM Will Dawkins.
Utah Jazz (17-37): Owe a top-eight pick to Oklahoma City. After acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., they start stars like Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Jusuf Nurkic, and Ace Bailey but bench them in the fourth quarter to squander leads, as seen in losses to Orlando and Miami.
Dallas Mavericks (19-33): Seven-game skid after trading Anthony Davis. Kyrie Irving's ACL recovery is now delayed.
Chicago Bulls (24-30): Eight losses in nine games, trading Nikola Vučević for guards including Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Tre Jones, and Rob Dillingham.
Memphis Grizzlies (20-32): Blew a 17-point lead against Golden State, scoring five points in the final eight minutes without Steph Curry. Traded Desmond Bane and J.J. Jackson; hold 13 first-round picks over seven drafts. Ja Morant (elbow) has played only 20 games.
Brooklyn Nets (15-37): Upsetting wins over fellow tankers Washington and Chicago hinder their odds.
Milwaukee Bucks (21-30): Snapped a three-game win streak with a loss; conflicting reports on trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. Acquired Cam Thomas, who struggled in his debut.
Upcoming matchups include Pacers at Nets on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET and Kings at Jazz at 9 p.m. ET, both critical for tanking dynamics.
