By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The NBA Draft Lottery airs this evening at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. While the Sixers aren't as much in the mix for a top-3 as they have been in previous years, there's still a very small chance they could pick first overall for the third straight year.
Philadelphia will have their own first-round pick at No. 26, but will very likely have a lottery pick as well via the Los Angeles Lakers. Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and the Lakers finished the year 35-47, putting them in the No. 10 spot as the most likely scenario. When Sam Hinkie dealt Michael Carter-Williams to the Bucks in a three-team deal with the Suns, the Sixers acquired a protected first-rounder from the Lakes via the Suns. Now that that protections on that pick have worn off over the years of not conveying, the Sixers have a great chance at adding another young player to the mix. The Sixers also own four second-round selections at 38, 39, 56 and 60.
Let's not forget that the Celtics could get the Sixers pick from the Lakers if it lands 2-5. That being said, the L.A. pick has a zero percent chance of landing 4-5. If Boston doesn't get the pick this year, they will get the more favorable of the Sixers/Kings picks in 2019. This is a part of the deal that allowed the Sixers to acquire the No. 1 pick in 2017 and select Markelle Fultz, a move that a number of Sixers fans now criticize.
Here's a look at the Sixers' odds heading into tonight's lottery:
- Odds to land the No. 1 pick (via Lakers): 1.1%
- Odds for Boston to get the Lakers pick at 2-5: 2.9%
- Odds for the Sixers to get the No. 10 pick (via Lakers): 87%
- Odds for the Sixers to get the No. 11 pick (via Lakers): 8.9%
- Odds for the Sixers to get the No. 12 pick (via Lakers): 0.2%
- Odds for the Sixers to get the No. 13 pick (via Lakers): .001%
Draft Lottery results aside, it will be interesting to see how the Sixers approach June's NBA Draft. With a handful of young talent already, will the Sixers opt to trade their picks as part of a package to acquire Kawhi Leonard? With four second-round picks and two first-rounders, they could try and find a way to move up or even move back to acquire more draft assets in the future. Also, if they keep their picks, expect a stash prospect at No. 26 since roster space is limited, especially if they plan to go after LeBron James or Paul George in free agency.
