Celtics Have a Chance to Win Lottery

For the first time this season, the New York Knicks can legitimately compete with the Boston Celtics.

Both clubs will take part in today’s second annual National Basketball Assn. lottery to determine the order of the top eight picks in the June 17 draft.

The Celtics used a trade to get into the lottery, which was reserved for the seven non-playoff teams last year. The Philadelphia 76ers and the Dallas Mavericks are in it, too, for similar reasons. The other teams will be the Knicks, the Golden State Warriors, the Phoenix Suns and the Indiana Pacers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who traded away their first-round selection, will still get a choice, due to a 1983 agreement. The Cavaliers have the opportunity to purchase an extra draft pick immediately after its normal place in the draft order but no higher than third. They will select directly after Dallas unless the Mavericks win the No. 1 choice.