Pistons guaranteed top-12 pick in NBA draft

Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) dribbles the ball around Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) dribbles the ball around Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Pistons’ loss to the Celtics last night officially eliminated Detroit from the playoff race.

The Pacers’ win over the Knicks later in the night further clarified the Pistons’ lottery position.

They will claim the No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 or No. 9 seed in the lottery. That means they’ll get the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8, No. 9, No. 10, No. 11 or No. 12 pick.

No. 4 or No. 5 pick here.

The current lottery standings:

  • No. 6 Kings (27-51)
  • No. 7 Nuggets (29-49)
  • No. 8 Pistons (30-48)
  • No. 9 Hornets (33-45)

The Pistons will likely claim the No. 8 seed, but there’s a chance they could move either direction.

These aren’t the Pistons’ odds of each pick, but depending where they finish in the standings, here are the possible range of odds they’ll face entering the lottery drawing:

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(There is a non-zero chance of the No. 12 pick if the Pistons get the No. 9 seed.)