They are sending co-owner Ashley Smith to Monday’s NBA draft lottery for good luck. The Charlotte Hornets, who haven’t had the No. 1 overall pick since taking Larry Johnson first in 1991 ...

Yet Minnesota didn’t attempt to lose, even late in the season. The Timberwolves played Dallas on the final day of the 2020-21 campaign, and a loss would have improved Minnesota’s odds of jumping into the top three by 4.3%. Instead, the Wolves went for the win and waxed the Mavericks.