Thanks Memphis.
That seems to be the feeling in Toronto after another Memphis Grizzlies victory that will move the Toronto Raptors one step closer to the sixth-worst record in the NBA.
Wednesday’s 115-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers now has Memphis 1.5 games behind the Raptors for what would be a 45.8% chance of landing a top-six pick in this summer’s NBA draft. That margin will likely drop to just one game assuming the Raptors lose to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
These tiny margins could be huge for Toronto when the draft lottery rolls around, as the Raptors have just a 32% chance of retaining their own pick as the seventh-worst team in the NBA this year. That number increases by 13.8% if they manage to slip under the Grizzlies.
The Brooklyn Nets’ victory on Tuesday night should also help Toronto as it gives the Raptors a little more breathing room ahead of Brooklyn. The Nets currently sit two behind Toronto with just a 26.3% chance of landing a top-six pick.
Toronto has publicly expressed its disinterest in tanking, but injuries to Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl have left the Raptors without a lot of talent. They also have a slightly tougher remaining schedule than Memphis over the last 20 games, making it entirely realistic for Toronto to end up behind the Grizzlies in the reverse standings.
Toronto’s pick came from the San Antonio Spurs in last year’s trade for Jakob Poeltl. If the pick is not communicated this year, the first six protections will continue over the next two seasons before becoming two second-round picks due in 2027.
