Clippers poke fun at Pacers ahead of 2026 NBA draft lottery - ESPN

The LA Clippers have not selected in the first round of the NBA draft for two consecutive years in over a decade. But, ahead of the draft lottery Sunday, there is a chance that streak is broken, thanks to the Indiana Pacers.

LA traded center Ivica Zubac to the Pacers at the February trade deadline, receiving Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks and one second-round pick. One of those first-rounders is for this year. It is protected from picks Nos. 1 to 4 and 10 to 30.

Therefore, if the ping-pong balls bounce to land the Pacers within picks Nos. 5 to 9, the pick will be awarded to the Clippers. LA is well aware of what it needs Sunday and hasn't been shy about expressing its chances.

The Pacers marked one week from the lottery with a post, writing: «May the odds be in our favor.» The Clippers acknowledged it by counting down the days themselves.

6 days to go