Lottery Shakeup Could Boost Portland’s Play‑In Path

NBA is weighing a sweeping Draft Lottery overhaul that would include 16 teams, draw all 16 positions, and tilt odds toward middle and lower teams, giving fringe playoff groups more paths up and creating more volatility for top and bottom teams. For Portland, the impact hinges on its own future picks (2027 onward) and Milwaukee Bucks swaps: if Portland stays in the Play‑In/low playoff zone, the new system could boost their chances of moving up; if Milwaukee’s assets fall into the lottery, those picks could lose some guaranteed value. In short, the proposal could be a windfall for mid‑tier teams and a strategic crossroads for the Blazers, depending on how the Bucks’ picks land.