ESPN projects Pacers to take Darryn Peterson at No. 2 if lottery breaks their way

May 7, 2026

The draft picture is still up in the air with the lottery set for Sunday. But if the Pacers land near the top, ESPN already has a clear idea of where they could go.

According to Jeremy Woo, Indiana would be in strong position to select Kansas guard Darryn Peterson if it ends up with the No. 2 pick.

Peterson is widely viewed as a No. 1-caliber talent and one of the most dynamic scorers in the class. Woo noted the fit in Indiana could be especially appealing alongside Tyrese Haliburton, whose playmaking would allow Peterson to thrive both on and off the ball.

The bigger storyline, though, is the stakes.

Indiana’s pick is owed to the Clippers if it falls outside the top four, making Sunday’s lottery pivotal for both franchises. The Pacers hold a 52.1 percent chance of landing in the top four and a 14 percent shot at No. 1.

If the pick lands at No. 5 or No. 6, it conveys to Los Angeles. If it stays in the top four, Indiana keeps it and adds a premium young piece as it looks to reestablish itself following Haliburton’s Achilles injury.

As Woo wrote, the outcome could shape the direction of both teams heading into the offseason.

Woo’s projection had the Wizards taking BYU standout AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick.