1. Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s a safe bet they’ll be expected to make a third consecutive Finals appearance.

2. Milwaukee Bucks

The time is now for them to put this together and get into the playoffs.

3. Chicago Bulls

This will now be Jimmy Butler’s team with Derrick Rose being traded.

4. Indiana Pacers

Expect a big season from Paul George as the Pacers offense begins to open up.

5. Detroit Pistons

It’s been a tough go for them, but having Andre Drummond helps keep them competitive.

Head Coach: Tyronn Lue

Key Position: Backcourt

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Mike Dunleavy (Chicago)

Starting Lineup: G Kyrie Irving, G J.R. Smith, F LeBron James, F Kevin Love, C Tristan Thompson

Head Coach: Jason Kidd

Key Position: Backcourt

Key Rookies: C Thon Maker

Key Acquisitions: F Mirza Teletovic (Phoenix), G Jason Terry (Houston), F Tony Snell (Chicago), G Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland)

Starting Lineup: G Giannis Antetokounmpo, G Khris Middleton, F Jabari Parker, F John Henson, C Greg Monroe

Head Coach: Fred Hoiberg

Key Position: Backcourt

Key Rookies: G Denzel Valentine

Key Acquisitions: G Dwyane Wade (Miami), G Rajon Rondo (Sacramento), C Robin Lopez (New York), G Michael Carter-Williams (Milwaukee)

Starting Lineup: G Rajon Rondo, G Dwyane Wade, F Jimmy Butler, F Taj Gibson, C Robin Lopez

Head Coach: Nate McMillan (Assistant)

Key Position: Frontcourt

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: C Al Jefferson (Charlotte), G Jeff Teague (Atlanta), F Thaddeus Young (Brooklyn)

Starting Lineup: G Jeff Teague, G Monta Ellis, F Paul George, F Myles Turner, C Al Jefferson

Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy

Key Position: Frontcourt

Key Rookies: F Henry Ellenson

Key Acquisitions: G Ish Smith (Philadelphia), F Jon Leuer (Phoenix)

Starting Lineup: G Reggie Jackson, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F Tobias Harris, F Marcus Morris, C Andre Drummond