Tankathon Standings: Pistons Overtake Rockets for Best Odds

As we near the final stretch of the NBA season, the league’s worst teams are locked in on the race for Victor Wembanyama.

As we near the final stretch of the NBA season, the league’s worst teams are locked in on the race for Victor Wembanyama.

Year after year, the teams near the bottom resort to developmental lineups post-All-Star break, which often isn’t the best product but does secure better draft odds. We’ll undoubtedly see even more teams join the fight for draft odds as more playoff spots are secured.

Here are the current reverse standings, as well as a Tankathon spin to see where prospects could land:

1. Detroit Pistons, 15-53

The Pistons haven’t likely lived up to the expectations set for them prior to the season, but it could still be a win if the odds fall in their favor on lottery night. They have finally overtaken Houston for the league’s worst record, potentially making this season of losing well worth it.

Detroit has a legitimate shot at landing the best odds for Wembanyama, which shouldn’t seem possible considering they’re bringing back former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham next season. For now, they’ll stay the course and finish out what’s been a pretty tough season wins-wise.

2. Houston Rockets, 15-52

After holding the league’s worst record for months now, the Rockets have finally ben surpassed in the home-stretch.

While good news to some, they’ve already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention this season, and the only thing they stand to gain from here on out outside of development is better draft odds.

They haven’t shown any signs of leaning towards more developmental lineups just yet. And if they don’t they could continue to give up the more favorable odds they’ve held all season long.

3. San Antonio Spurs, 17-50

Now 3-7 in their last 10 games, the Spurs feel a tier above Detroit and Houston, but they’ll still likely snag that coveted 14% chance at Wembanyama, as there’s a good bit of room separating them and the Charlotte Hornets.

The Spurs are in dire need of a lead player, and with talents like Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson and Amen Thompson floating around the top, they’ll have the chance at grabbing one.

---

Tankathon Spin — March 16, 2023

1. Charlotte Hornets: Victor Wembanyama, Metropolitans 92

2. Houston Rockets: Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite

3. Detroit Pistons: Brandon Miller, Alabama

4. Indiana Pacers: Amen Thompson, G League Ignite

5. San Antonio Spurs: Jarace Walker, Houston

6. Orlando Magic: Cam Whitmore, Villanova

7. Washington Wizards: Ausar Thompson, G League Ignite

8. Portland Trail Blazers: Keyonte George, Baylor

9. Orlando Magic: Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas

10. Toronto Raptors: Anthony Black, Arkansas

11. New Orleans Pelicans: Cason Wallace, Kentucky

12. Los Angeles Lakers: Jett Howard, Michigan

13. Oklahoma City Thunder: Gradey Dick, Kansas

14. Utah Jazz: GG Jackson, South Carolina

---

Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.