Celtics
The champions who plowed by each foe have gotten the band again collectively this offseason, so there is not any cause to suppose their dominance will not proceed. Everybody is aware of about Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and their vaunted high six (when Kristaps Porzingis is wholesome), however they had been additionally capable of grasp onto essential position gamers like Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman in case of emergency. Seemingly the one issues that may cease this staff are devastating accidents or unexpected chemistry points. — 0-0
2

Thunder
After final season’s (possibly?) shocking ascent, OKC beefed up its roster with two of the league’s finest position gamers in Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. The one vital loss is Josh Giddey, who was positionally redundant and clearly not a part of the staff’s future plans. Factoring in seemingly enchancment from all their younger expertise, the Thunder ought to be among the many favorites to win the West and legitimately contend for a title. — 0-0
3

Knicks
Enjoyable little upstart staff on the rise? That is cute and all, however the Knicks mentioned, “screw that” by buying Karl-Anthony Cities and Mikal Bridges this offseason to finish some of the fearsome beginning fives within the league. The breeze flowing by the Knicks’ championship window went from a faint whistle to an all-out windstorm, as they’re now poised to noticeably contend for years to come back behind unflappable chief Jalen Brunson. There are depth questions, to make certain, however a high finish like theirs ought to end in plenty of regular-season wins. 3 0-0
4

Mavericks
It was unattainable to look at the Mavericks’ unimaginable NBA Finals run with out considering, “man, think about if that they had somebody within the nook who may shoot!” Enter Klay Thompson, arguably the second-best shooter of all time, who even in his post-injury state averaged 18 factors per sport final season for the Warriors whereas making 39% of his 9 3-point makes an attempt per sport. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving with a legit ground spacer is a ghastly picture for defenses, and if the Mavericks can proceed to stifle opposing offenses the way in which they did within the playoffs, they are going to be extraordinarily troublesome to beat. 5 0-0
5

Nuggets
Denver’s season resulted in devastating style with a second-half collapse in a house Recreation 7 in opposition to the Timberwolves, and so they misplaced a vital piece of the very best beginning lineup in basketball when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope elected to take his abilities to Orlando. That mentioned, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are sufficient to make you a contender, and if a few their younger gamers hit — Christian Braun and Peyton Watson come to thoughts — or the Russell Westbrook gamble pays off, they might be in enterprise. That mentioned, it looks like the West’s different heavy hitters acquired higher, whereas the Nuggets could have gotten barely worse. 2 0-0
6

76ers
Changing Tobias Harris with Paul George looks like a reasonably respectable improve for the 76ers, who hope that Joel Embiid can proceed the utter dominance he displayed earlier than injuring his knee final season. Embiid, PG and Tyrese Maxey comprise some of the dynamic “Large Threes” within the NBA, whereas Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson may develop into sneaky-good signings, notably if and when accidents rear their ugly head. There isn’t any solution to maintain the Sixers out of the championship dialog with George coming into the fold. 6 0-0
7

Timberwolves
Dealing Karl-Anthony Cities did not seem to be a transfer Minnesota essentially WANTED to make, however quite a deal they felt they HAD to make. Touchdown Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo might be nearly as good of expertise return as they might hope for, nevertheless, and the Wolves ought to nonetheless be thought-about among the many league’s elite due to MVP short-lister Anthony Edwards. Cities wasn’t a stopper by any sense, however it is going to be fascinating to see how a lot, if any, the league’s main protection suffers by changing the “Twin Towers” look with a extra conventional energy forward-center pairing. 3 0-0
8

Bucks
Final season was a bitter disappointment, however on the finish of the day the Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard heading into coaching camp. Might be worse. The protection improved just below Doc Rivers, however there is a normal lack of athleticism and dynamism on that finish. What Milwaukee misplaced in Malik Beasley can simply be made up for with Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince, so there ought to be optimism that the ship might be righted offensively. Khris Middleton might be introduced alongside slowly — what else is new — after surgical procedure on his ankles, so the Bucks cannot be thought-about among the many elites of the top-heavy East to begin the season. In fact, all they care about is how the season ends. — 0-0
9

Suns
The catastrophe of being swept within the first spherical final season might be considerably salved by the truth that the Suns put up a powerful 120 factors per 100 possessions with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the ground final season. That effectivity dropped to a horrific 107 offensive score within the playoffs, however this staff remains to be greater than able to being a regular-season juggernaut. Including Tyus Jones and Monte Morris ought to assist clear up the purpose guard challenge, whereas Mason Plumlee is a strong backup large who will help with playmaking. Plus, Mike Budenholzer has a greater offensive monitor report than Frank Vogel. Look, this staff has but to show it could maintain greatness for any vital time period, however you merely cannot ignore the theoretical glory with a trio that gifted. 1 0-0
10

Pelicans
The Pelicans made an enormous transfer this offseason, and it someway did not embrace First Crew All-Commerce Machine ahead Brandon Ingram. As an alternative they introduced in Dejounte Murray for picks and position gamers, giving them a barely more true level guard than CJ McCollum — although he is additionally another person who wants the ball in his fingers, which suggests much less time in Zion Williamson’s. And whereas Jonas Valanciunas wasn’t the very best match, New Orleans now seems to don’t have any beginning middle on the roster? Looks like there’s one other transfer to be made, however for now the Pelicans are an intriguing, if not a bit clunky, contender within the West. 3 0-0
11

Cavaliers
The numbers urged that the Cavs wanted to remove some redundancy this offseason by breaking apart the Donovan Mitchell-Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen-Evan Mobley pairings. That hasn’t occurred but (Mitchell, Allen and Mobley had been all prolonged), so Cleveland will return a largely unchanged roster that was near securing the East’s No. 2 seed final season. New coach Kenny Atkinson will look to enhance an offense that went from eighth in 2022-23 to sixteenth final season. — 0-0
12

Grizzlies
Do not be shocked if final season finally ends up being a fever dream hallucination, and the Grizzlies are proper again within the West playoff image this season. Ja Morant’s absence allowed Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. to every take spectacular leaps, whereas position gamers like Santi Aldama, Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson gained invaluable reps in large minutes. Zach Edey will step proper in as a rebounder and display screen setter, and if Marcus Sensible stays wholesome they’re going to get all of the protection they missed from Dillon Brooks final season. Fill up, Memphis. 12 0-0
13

Magic
The Magic made about as good an addition as they might hope for by bringing in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a knock-down 3-point shooter who will not disrupt Orlando’s rugged defensive tenacity. If Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner could make one other leap this season to assist enhance their Twenty second-ranked offense, the Magic might be within the combine on the high of the Japanese Convention. 1 0-0
14

Pacers
One in all final season’s finest tales enters the yr with new expectations after re-signing Pascal Siakam to be Tyrese Haliburton’s operating mate. It is laborious to contemplate them within the East’s elite given their atrocious defensive score final season, in order that might be Rick Carlisle’s major space of enchancment in coaching camp. Given how nicely this staff can rating, nevertheless, they may find yourself within the high 5 even when they end twenty fourth in protection once more. 1 0-0
15

Kings
The Kings needed to get De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis some assist, so that they took an enormous swing on DeMar DeRozan, who matches in principle however typically wants the ball in his fingers to do harm (his utilization charge was considerably greater than Sabonis’ final season). DeRozan may additionally damage their protection, which made legit strides final yr however nonetheless landed in the course of the pack. It should be fascinating to see how the match works, however it’s comprehensible to be skeptical that bringing in DeRozan all of a sudden makes the Kings contenders within the West. 2 0-0
16

Warriors
It nonetheless feels bizarre considering of Klay Thompson in a distinct jersey, however the Warriors made some strong strikes to fill in for him, bringing alongside Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton. Chris Paul’s departure means Golden State lacks a real backup level guard behind Steph Curry, however Anderson, Draymond Inexperienced and Brandin Podziemski are all high-IQ playmakers who will help piece it collectively. GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. mentioned this roster may result in “a variety of outcomes,” and he could not be extra spot on. They’re deep, however one of many issues final yr was that Golden State lacked a go-to beginning and shutting unit, and it looks like that can nonetheless be a difficulty. — 0-0
17

Lakers
Ending fifteenth in offense and seventeenth in protection final season, the Lakers had been about as mediocre as you may get. They made no vital adjustments this offseason (OK bringing in Bronny James was vital, however he seemingly will not contribute a lot this yr), so it is laborious to see how LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Co. can all of a sudden vault into title competition as at the moment constructed. Which means one other transfer is probably going on the way in which (D’Angelo Russell commerce rumors? WHAAAAT!), however to begin the season the Lakers are trying like a .500 staff within the West. 2 0-0
18

Warmth
It is practically unattainable to think about the Warmth ever being BAD, however this roster would not precisely instill confidence. If Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are all on the courtroom, they need to be capable to compete regardless of the opponent — however that solely occurred 27 occasions final season. Everyone knows Erik Spoelstra will work his magic and get this staff to the playoffs, however it’s truthful to ask whether or not Miami’s days of being a scary postseason opponent are previously. — 0-0
19

Clippers
This actually is not the way in which Steve Ballmer needed to open the primary season of the Clippers having their very own area in 25 years. Paul George left them excessive and dry for greener pastures in Philly, whereas Kawhi Leonard reportedly underwent offseason knee surgical procedure — and who is aware of what which means for his eventual (potential?) return. So a staff with three stars is now probably down to at least one in James Harden, who’s actually no stranger to carrying a whole offense by himself. Coming into the season, nevertheless, you merely can not view the Clippers as a legit title contender, and even attending to the playoffs could show difficult given Leonard’s harm historical past and the depth of the West. 14 0-0
20

Rockets
The Rockets lastly added some capturing by drafting Reed Sheppard, and he’ll work spacing wonders for a staff that completed twentieth in offense final season. The story from final season, in fact, was Ime Udoka’s protection, which jumped into the highest 10 from twenty ninth the yr earlier than — merely outstanding stuff — largely as a result of addition of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. Houston is a horny decide to contend this season, and that can all rely on the continued development of Alperen Sengun and Jalen Inexperienced. 1 0-0
21

Spurs
The Spurs are laborious to foretell this season as a result of Victor Wembanyama may legitimately grow to be a top-five participant over the subsequent few months. If that occurs, they seem to be a commerce away from turning into extraordinarily fascinating, even within the rugged Western Convention. Chris Paul is the right mentor for a younger staff, whereas No. 4 total decide Stephon Citadel ought to add a fringe stopper to a protection that was twelfth within the NBA final season after the All-Star break. San Antonio might need the widest vary of outcomes of any staff within the league, however we’ll all be watching regardless to see what Wemby does subsequent. 5 0-0
22

Hawks
Atlanta determined the Trae Younger-Dejounte Murray factor wasn’t working, so that they despatched Murray to New Orleans for a few position gamers and draft capital. The staff is clearly skewing youthful after drafting comparatively uncooked expertise Zaccharie Risacher No. 1 total, however how will Younger really feel about that course? It is laborious to see the Hawks competing for a playoff spot, and you will actually hear Younger’s title in commerce rumors all through the season, notably if the losses come early and infrequently. 1 0-0
23

Bulls
The Bulls are slowly beginning to decide a course, saying goodbye to DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond whereas welcoming in 21-year-old Josh Giddey and 19-year-old rookie Matas Buzelis. They nonetheless have Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, for now, so that ought to maintain them within the Play-In Match hunt so long as they’re wholesome and on the roster. 3 0-0
24

Jazz
The Jazz have nonetheless but to completely embrace a course, however extending Lauri Markkanen implies that commerce chatter might be hushed for no less than this season. In principle they need to be higher than final yr, however gamers like Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton might be despatched packing if Danny Ainge decides he is had sufficient successful and needs to replenish on lottery balls. This staff goes to want to attain a ton of factors with a protection that completed thirtieth within the NBA final season. 1 0-0
25

Pistons
For the primary time shortly, there’s cause for optimism in Detroit this season. Cade Cunningham lastly has no less than a few shooters round him with the addition of Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. (even Tobias Harris has shot close to 40% previously), and the expertise of Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson and Jaden Ivey is plain. We’ll see if J.B. Bickerstaff can put all of it collectively, however the items are there to compete for a play-in spot after years of bottom-dwelling. 5 0-0
26

Raptors
The Raptors aren’t going to be good this season, but when RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley play like they did after coming to Toronto final season and Scottie Barnes builds off an incredible third yr, the longer term is vibrant. Outdoors of these three, there is not any telling who might be a part of the longer term, however Gradey Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter are intriguing prospects. 1 0-0
27

Path Blazers
Portland has plenty of gifted younger items — it is only a matter of getting all of them on the courtroom on the identical time. Pay attention, they don’t seem to be going to be good, however a beginning lineup of Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton ought to no less than be aggressive from night time to nighttime. Rookie Donovan Clingan will not want a lot of a studying curve, and if Robert Williams III may give them something, Chauncey Billups will be capable to current some matchup nightmares together with his lineup choices. — 0-0
28

Nets
It was fairly clear from final season that Mikal Bridges did not have “No. 1 possibility” stuff — not but anyway — so touchdown FIVE first-round picks was an unimaginable return for one of many league’s most coveted position gamers. Hold that in thoughts as you watch the Nets lose plenty of video games this season whereas strive to determine which gamers (Nic Claxton? Cam Thomas?) are within the long-term plans and that are simply fodder for the subsequent commerce. 6 0-0
29

Wizards
Buying and selling Deni Avdija — one of many few Wizards who truly appeared good final season — was a head-scratcher, however possibly they had been afraid of successful too many video games. Let’s maintain it at 15 or fewer, all proper folks? After a horrific begin, Jordan Poole was truly respectable to complete final season, averaging 21 factors and 6 assists on 44/37/91 splits in his last 27 video games. So he and Kyle Kuzma, plus the addition of Jonas Valanciunas, will be certain that Washington has “bucket-getters” on the courtroom always. The protection goes to be actually dangerous once more, however possibly No. 2 total decide Alex Sarr can clear up a few of these points — most likely not this season, although. — 0-0
30

Hornets
We would advise you not to have a look at the Hornets’ roster if you happen to’re planning on working heavy equipment within the subsequent few hours. They clearly want a full season from LaMelo Ball to have any shot at being aggressive, and it isn’t nice that Mark Williams is injured already… once more. The excellent news is, Brandon Miller appeared like absolutely the actual deal final season and may solely get higher. That being mentioned, the ceiling for this staff is so low {that a} toddler must crouch. Hold your eye on the longer term! 2 0-0