Are the Nets increasing their chances for No. 1 after the road loss to New Orleans? Here's what their chances now look like.
The Brooklyn Nets lost their fifth straight on Wednesday night -- leading to new theories if they're out in front for the league's top pick.
Turns out there's another "five" attached to the franchise.
Erik Slater of ClutchPoints revealed where the Nets stand in the race for the top pick chances in the NBA Draft Lottery. The New Orleans Pelicans sit at No. 2 even after defeating the Nets.
But the Nets? They're the No. 5 as of Wednesday night.
Who Ranks Ahead of Nets in Lottery Race
The Indiana Pacers hold down the top spot -- with their 9-32 overall record. It's quite the fall for the reigning Eastern Conference champs, who are playing without top scorer and face of the franchise Tyrese Haliburton.
The Sacramento Kings are plugged at No. 3 behind the Pelicans. Although the Western Conference franchise pulled three straight stunning victories against the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks -- the latter foe falling on Wednesday.
Finally at No. 4 is the Washington Wizards, 10-29 overall.
The Utah Jazz trail the Nets at No. 6 then it's the Charlotte Hornets and last year's lottery winner the Dallas Mavericks comprising the top eight.
How did Potential Nets Targets Fare?
AJ Dybansta made some earlier headlines for taking in a Nets game earlier in 2025. He already shares a BYU connection with Nets sharpshooter and 2025 rookie pick Egor Demin.
Dybansta smoothly attacked the hoop against TCU while the Nets and Pelicans played.
The wing is The Athletic's top overall prospect ahead of the draft. He ended his night dropping 25 points in 33 minutes against the Horned Frogs.
But the Cougars star isn't the only prospect Nets fans have their sights set on.
Darryn Peterson of Kansas scored 16 in his game against No. 2 Iowa State, ending in a 84-63 rout on Tuesday evening. Peterson is garnering attention for his basket attacking ability.
Cameron Boozer is another comprising this class out of Duke and comes with famous bloodlines, as his father Carlos earned two NBA All-Star bids.
Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) and Kingston Flemings (Houston) comprise the potential top five come June. The guard Flemings would land in Brooklyn should the Nets secure the fifth pick.
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