{"id":191342,"date":"2026-04-21T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=191342"},"modified":"2026-04-21T00:18:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T04:18:43","slug":"how-the-pelicans-tiebreaker-boosts-the-hawks-2026-lottery-odds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/21\/how-the-pelicans-tiebreaker-boosts-the-hawks-2026-lottery-odds\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Pelicans Tiebreaker Boosts the Hawks\u2019 2026 Lottery Odds"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New Orleans Pelicans’ tiebreaker has created a meaningful shift for the Atlanta Hawks<\/span><\/span> ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While much of the focus remains on playoff performances and offseason moves, this development adds another layer to Atlanta\u2019s long-term outlook. The NBA conducted its official tiebreaking process<\/a> Monday afternoon, setting the draft order from 15 to 30 and resolving ties within the lottery.<\/p>\n

One of those outcomes directly impacts Atlanta.<\/p>\n

The Pelicans<\/span><\/span> were awarded the seventh lottery slot, while the Dallas Mavericks<\/span><\/span> landed eighth. On the surface, that may seem like a minor distinction. However, because of a prior trade, the implications extend far beyond New Orleans.<\/p>\n

How the Pelicans Tiebreaker Boosts the Hawks\u2019 2026 Lottery Odds<\/h2>\n

The Pelicans tiebreaker matters because the Hawks own that pick.<\/p>\n

During last year\u2019s draft, New Orleans sent its 2026 pick to Atlanta<\/a> as part of a trade for Derik Queen<\/a>, the 13th overall pick. As a result, the Hawks will receive the more favorable pick between the Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks<\/span><\/span>, who currently hold the 10th lottery slot. Milwaukee, in turn, will receive the lesser of the two selections.<\/p>\n

That structure creates flexibility.<\/p>\n

With New Orleans now slotted at seventh, the Hawks’ lottery position improves slightly. Instead of relying on a lower-end outcome, Atlanta now has a stronger baseline entering the lottery process. That matters more than it may initially seem.<\/p>\n

Both the Pelicans and Mavericks picks carry a 29% chance of jumping into the top four and a 6.3% chance<\/a> of landing the No. 1 overall pick. By securing the higher of the two tied positions, the Pelicans’ tiebreaker subtly increases Atlanta\u2019s potential upside.<\/p>\n

\n

NBA Draft tiebreaker drawings happened today.<\/p>\n

New Orleans will enter the lottery at No. 7 overall. <\/p>\n

Atlanta gets whichever pick is higher between the Pelicans and Bucks.<\/p>\n

The Hawks will also officially have the 23rd pick, via the Cavs.<\/p>\n

— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) April 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n