Thunder's draft future hinges on struggling LA, slipping Jazz, and surprising Philadelphia. See which picks could land OKC lottery gold.
After three recent losses to Western Conference teams, Oklahoma City seeks to get back on track against Philadelphia. The game is important for the Thunder in terms of rediscovering its mojo, but the contest also impacts its draft capital.
Here is an updated look at the Thunder’s first-round picks ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
Thunder’s 2026 NBA Draft Picks
Oklahoma City keeps the two best first-round picks of its own, the Clippers and the Rockets (top-four protected). The selections via the Thunder and Rockets are very likely to be in the 20s, thus limiting their upside.
But the final piece of the Paul George trade is one of the best non-player assets across the NBA. Los Angeles is currently 9-21 and ten games back of the sixth seed, which is a guaranteed playoff berth. As of this moment, the pick has a 10.5% chance of being first overall and a 44.3% chance of landing in the top five.
It may not stay this juicy for long, as Los Angeles is on a three-game winning streak that includes convincing victories over the Rockets and Lakers. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden averaged a combined 61.7 points per game during this stretch. If they continue to turn back the clock and play at an All-NBA level, then the Clippers could easily make the play-in tournament.
The past two lottery winners (Atlanta and Dallas) secured the first overall pick despite being in the play-in tournament, so it’s still a great asset even if Los Angeles gets its act together.
Oklahoma City also owns a top-eight protected first rounder from Utah. The pick currently has a 39.3% chance of conveying, but Thunder fans should not get their hopes up. The Jazz cannot afford to lose this pick, especially since the 2026 Draft is expected to produce numerous superstars. Look for Utah to do what is necessary to rack up losses and keep the pick.
Finally, Philadelphia owes a top-four protected first rounder. It currently occupies the fifth seed with a 16-13 record. The team is far from comfortable because the East has a bunch of teams in the same neighborhood. For example, the fourth and tenth seeds are only separated by three games. The best case scenario for this pick is Philadelphia losing in the play-in tournament and giving Oklahoma City a late lottery selection like 13th overall.
Overall, Sam Presti should be thrilled about the Thunder’s 2026 Draft picks even if Los Angeles makes a run.