By most accounts, the Philadelphia 76ers will not be contending for a playoff spot this season.

But David Stern is hopeful that the 76ers are one of eight Eastern Conference teams to reach the playoffs.

Stern was asked this week of the 76ers' odds of winning the lottery.

"That is so... small," said Stern. "I hope they have a great season and don't have the chance for the No. 1 pick."

Even if the 76ers have the worst record in the NBA, there is a 35.7 percent chance they don't have one of the top three picks.