What: The NBA's annual game of chance that determines order of selection for 14 nonplayoff teams in the June 23 draft. Philadelphia's league-worst 10-72 record gives it 250 of 1,000 lottery combinations — that's a 25 percent chance — to win the No. 1 overall pick. The lottery chooses the draft's first three picks, and picks 4-14 go by order of regular-season records, worst teams first.

Wolves' representative: Newly named NBA Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns will be the franchise's face before the television cameras when the lottery results are revealed.

Timberwolves' chances: They have a 36 percent chance of selecting sixth overall, a 26 percent chance of selecting fifth, an 8.8 percent chance of winning the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year and a 29.1 percent chance of getting a top-three pick.

Last year: With team owner Glen Taylor representing his team for the first time, the Wolves turned their lottery-best, 25 percent chance into the No. 1 overall pick and selected Towns.

The top prospects

LSU freshman forward Ben Simmons: An Australian who packs a PG's passing in a PF's body and has been compared by optimistic scouts to Magic Johnson. He was considered the consensus No. 1 when the season started and still probably is, but LSU's failure to make the tournament and Simmons' sometimes indifferent play could make it much more of a discussion.

Duke freshman forward Brandon Ingram: A long, athletic wing who could vault over Simmons and go No. 1 if the right team wins the lottery. He'd give the Timberwolves the perimeter shooting they lack, but he also weighs about 200 pounds at 6-9 and will get pushed around plenty in the NBA until he grows bigger and stronger.

European forward Dragan Bender: He's not — repeat, NOT — 2015 lottery pick Kristaps Porzingis. Both are 7-feet-plus. Both are European. Bender is big and gifted, but NBA scouts have seen a lot less of him at Europe's highest level to draw a conclusion than they did with Porzingis, whom New York wisely drafted fourth overall last summer.

Kentucky freshman guard Jamal Murray: According to his college coach, John Calipari, he has the talent to be chosen No. 1. At 6-5, he's strong, is projected to play both guard positions and would give the Wolves the three-point shooting they lack. A teammate of Wolves star Andrew Wiggins on Canada's national team, he's also barely 19.

Oklahoma senior guard Buddy Hield: He probably would have been a top-three pick had the draft been held during March's NCAA tournament. He's smart and a great shooter expected to be able to step straight into the NBA and score. He's also 22 and somewhat undersized for a shooting guard.

Providence junior guard Kris Dunn: He is big (6-4 plus), long and athletic for a point guard comparatively old (22) as well in a process that values potential and "upside." Yes, the Wolves already have Ricky Rubio there, but Dunn could be the proverbial best player available if they draft fifth or sixth.

Others: Marquette forward Henry Ellenson, California forward Jaylen Brown, Washington forward Marquese Chriss, Michigan State swingman Denzel Valentine.