It’s been a long first season for Brad Stevens. Things will become more positive the second the season ends Wednesday night. Credit: Getty Images
The Celtics will close out their 2013-14 season Wednesday at TD Garden against the Wizards (8 p.m., CSNNE). The C’s currently own the fifth worst record in the NBA and would have a 8.8 percent chance at landing the No. 1 overall pick in the draft lottery if things stand pat. The C’s would have a 29.1 percent chance at a top-three draft pick if they remain the team with the fifth worst record.
Most likely scenario: Celtics lose to the playoff-bound Wizards (who still have something to play for Wednesday) and finish the season with a 25-57 record. That alone would give them the fifth worst record in the league. With Utah likely looking to hold down its spot as the team with the fourth worst record (they play the Timberwolves in Minnesota), expect a Jazz loss as well and for the Celtics odds (29.1 percent chance at a top 3 pick) to remain the same.
Best case scenario for Celtics: Celtics lose to Wizards. Jazz beat Timberwolves and now own the same exact record as the Celtics. The two teams would then split the odds for two spots (fourth and fifth). The Jazz currently have a 38.7 percent chance at top 3 pick and an 11.9 percent chance at the No. 1 pick.
Worst case scenario for Celtics: Celtics beat Wizards. Lakers lose to Spurs. Boston and LA would now own the same exact record and the two teams would split the odds for two spots (fifth and sixth). The Lakers current odds at a top 3 pick are 21.5 percent and the odds for them landing the No. 1 overall pick are 6.3.
The NBA Draft lottery date is Tuesday, May 20 and will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Follow Metro Boston sports editor Matt Burke on Twitter @BurkeMetroBOS
