2025 NBA Draft Lottery: Key Storylines for Celtics Fans to Watch

Chicago, Illinois – The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is set to take place on Monday, creating buzz around potential future stars, including Duke‘s Cooper Flagg. The Boston Celtics, who hold the No. 28 overall pick, are closely watching how this lottery unfolds, which could have implications for their playoff prospects.

This year’s draft class is strong, with Flagg considered a top prospect and a possible franchise-changing player. After winning the 2025 Naismith Award, Flagg has emerged as a highly anticipated talent that could revolutionize any team he joins.

The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets have the highest chances of winning the lottery, each with a 14 percent chance. The Jazz have never won the lottery, while the Wizards’ last win was in 2010, when they picked John Wall, and the Hornets’ last lottery win came in 1991 with Larry Johnson.

A key storyline for Celtics fans involves their fiercest rival, the Philadelphia 76ers. After a tough season marred by injuries, the Sixers finished with the fifth-worst record at 24-58, giving them a 10.5 percent chance of winning the lottery. If they retain their pick, the Sixers could pair it with their current roster, posing a threat to the Celtics and other Eastern Conference teams.

However, the Sixers could lose their pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder if they do not land within the top six. This situation adds another layer of intrigue for fans hoping to see their rivals struggle.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have turned around their fortunes this season and are hoping to add more young talent to their roster. They will be watching the lottery closely, as they own the Phoenix Suns‘ unprotected 2025 first-round pick. The Suns finished with a 3.8 percent chance to win the lottery, making this a significant factor for the Rockets’ future.

As the lottery draws near, the Celtics will monitor not just the top picks but also how rival teams fare. A favorable outcome for the 76ers could mean Boston will face Flagg multiple times a season, while a move by the Thunder could solidify their standing as long-term contenders.

In addition to the anticipation surrounding Flagg, other prospects are generating buzz, including guard Ryan Harper from the Wizards, who could also impact the team’s direction.

The lottery promises excitement as teams prepare for the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25. How the teams draft could reshape the future landscape of the NBA and directly affect the Celtics.