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
