With just one week left of the 2025-26 regular season, we take a look at what is needed for the Washington Wizards to secure the NBA's worst record
With only five days remaining in the NBA regular season, we're starting to see the finalization of both the Eastern and Western Conference standings. 12 teams will have a finalized spot in the playoffs, with eight being play-in teams to where they'll have to scratch and claw their way to the playoffs.
Luckily for the Washington Wizards, making the playoffs isn't in the cards for them. However, finishing the year with the worst record in the association is in the cards.
With only four games remaining, Washington is in prime position to enter the 2026 NBA Draft lottery with the best odds to land the number one overall pick.
Washington Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe | © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesIn the final four games, Washington will host the Chicago Bulls twice with the first game being on April 7th and the second being on April 9th. Chicago currently occupies the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 29-49 record, but have been eliminated from playoff contention. It is also important to note that Washington has a 3-7 record against Chicago in their last ten games.
Following the two game stint against Chicago, Washington will host the Miami heat for the fourth and final time this season. Miami currently occupies the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-37 record, and have clinched a play-in birth. However, Miami is still expected to play their starters as they are competing for seeding in the play-in tournament. Washington has lost the first three meetings against Miami this season.
Washington will end their 2025-26 campaign on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently hold the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference with a strong 49-29 record. Like Miami, Cleveland is expected to play a majority of their key players as they are also competing for better seeding.
If Washington loses all four of their remaining games, they'll be guaranteed a top five draft pick as they'll have the worst record in the league. Additionally, they'll have a 14% chance of receiving the first overall pick, and a 52.1% chance of receiving a top four pick.
It is also important to note that the bottom three teams (record wise) in the NBA all have a 52.1% chance at getting a top four draft pick, and a 14% chance at the first overall draft pick.
Down the stretch, Washington's main tanking competitors are the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets, so Washington fans should be rooting for both Indiana and Brooklyn to win.