1. Golden State Warriors

There shouldn’t be any doubt that they will be in line for another title run.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Their identity has changed a bit, but they should be considered favorites to make the playoffs.

3. Sacramento Kings

A different looking roster has them poised to make a move up the standings.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

In the grand scheme of things this should be the year they show improved play.

5. Phoenix Suns

Another year of transition should have them be contenders for the playoffs next year.

Head Coach: Steve Kerr

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: F Jordan Bell

Key Acquisitions: F Omri Casspi (Minnesota), G Nick Young (LA Lakers)

Starting Lineup: G Stephen Curry, G Klay Thompson, F Kevin Durant, F Draymond Green, C Zaza Pachulia

Head Coach: Doc Rivers

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Patrick Beverley (Houston), F Sam Dekker (Houston), F Danilo Gallinari (Denver), G Milos Teodosic (Euroleague), G Lou Williams (Houston)

Starting Lineup: G Patrick Beverley, G Milos Teodosic, F Danilo Gallinari, F Blake Griffin, C DeAndre Jordan

Head Coach: Dave Joerger

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G De’Aaron Fox, F Justin Jackson, F Harry Giles, G Bogdan Bogdanovic

Key Acquisitions: G Vince Carter (Memphis), G George Hill (Utah), F Zach Randolph (Memphis)

Starting Lineup: G George Hill, G Buddy Hield, F Skal Labissiere, F Zach Randolph, C Willie Cauley-Stein

Head Coach: Luke Walton

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G Lonzo Ball, F Kyle Kuzma

Key Acquisitions: G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Detroit), C Brook Lopez (Brooklyn)

Starting Lineup: G Lonzo Ball, G Brandon Ingram, F Luol Deng, F Larry Nance Jr., C Brook Lopez

Head Coach: Earl Watson

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: F Josh Jackson

Key Acquisitions: None

Starting Lineup: G Eric Bledsoe, G Devin Booker, F Josh Jackson, F TJ Warren, C Tyson Chandler