NBA Draft 2019: How to watch live tonight, start time, draft order and top picks

For many teams in the NBA, the future begins tonight. The 2019 NBA Draft will determine which franchises get the best new players coming into the league, including top college players Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett from Duke, Ja Morant from Murray State and De’Andre Hunter from Virginia. The New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks and other top lottery teams will have a chance to pick a future star.

Tune in to our sister site CBS Sports HQ for live coverage throughout draft night.

Rosters for next season are already taking shape with trades before the draft, including the blockbuster that sent Anthony Davis from the Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers. Now the Pels have two top-five picks: no. 1 overall, widely expected to be Zion, and the fourth pick acquired from the Lakers. Other trades involving picks include the Grizzlies, who added the number 23 pick; the Atlanta Hawks, who added number 17; and the Detroit Pistons, who acquired number 30. Plenty of other trades are possible today too, right up to the draft itself.

Here’s how you can watch all the NBA Draft action live, whether or not you subscribe to cable TV.

When is the draft?

The NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 20. It starts at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and comprises two rounds.

Where is the draft?

The 2019 draft will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, home of the Brooklyn Nets.

What is the draft order?

The New Orleans Pelicans won the Zion Sweepstakes, er, NBA Draft lottery and have the first pick. And in the last few days, the aforementioned Anthony Davis trade, the multiteam Grizzlies deal and others have shuffled the order somewhat.

Here’s how the first round shapes up so far:

1. New Orleans Pelicans
2. Memphis Grizzlies
3. New York Knicks
4. New Orleans Pelicans (acquired from Lakers)
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
6. Phoenix Suns
7. Chicago Bulls
8. Atlanta Hawks
9. Washington Wizards
10. Atlanta Hawks
11. Minnesota Timberwolves
12. Charlotte Hornets
13. Miami Heat
14. Boston Celtics
15. Detroit Pistons
16. Orlando Magic
17. Atlanta Hawks (acquired from Nets)
18. Indiana Pacers
19. San Antonio Spurs
20. Boston Celtics
21. Oklahoma City Thunder
22. Boston Celtics
23. Memphis Grizzlies (acquired from Jazz)
24. Philadelphia 76ers
25. Portland Trail Blazers
26. Cleveland Cavaliers
27. Brooklyn Nets
28. Golden State Warriors
29. San Antonio Spurs
30. Detroit Pistons (acquired from Bucks)

How can I watch the draft on TV?

The draft will be broadcast on ESPN.

How can I stream the draft online?

You can livestream the draft on WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app, but you will need to prove you have a TV subscription that includes ESPN. If you don’t have a login and you still want to stay on top of the draft as it unfolds, tune into CBS Sports HQ (from our sister site) for live coverage thorough draft night.

Cord cutters have a number of options to watch the draft. You can livestream the draft with a live-TV streaming service. Each service offers a free, seven-day trial.

Other stuff to know about live TV streaming services:

• You’ll need a solid internet connection.
• You can watch any of them on TV as long as your smart TV has the service’s app. You can also watch on your TV using a media streamer, such as a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV or Chromecast ($55 at eBay).
• You can also watch on iPhones, Android phones, tablets and PC browsers.
• You can sign up and cancel anytime, no contract required.

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