1. Washington Wizards

The talented roster remains intact for a chance to claim a top-3 spot in the conference.

2. Charlotte Hornets

Their depth is the envy of the division.

3. Miami Heat

It’s a young roster with a lot of room for improvement.

4. Orlando Magic

This could be the year they sneak up and claim a low playoff seed.

5. Atlanta Hawks

They are rebuilding in a very deliberate way and preparing for a rough year.

Head Coach: Scott Brooks

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Jodie Meeks (Orlando)

Starting Lineup: G John Wall, G Bradley Beal, F Otto Porter Jr., F Markieff Morris, C Marcin Gortat

Head Coach: Steve Clifford

Key Position: Center

Key Rookies: G Malik Monk

Key Acquisitions: C Dwight Howard (Atlanta), G Michael Carter-Williams (Chicago)

Starting Lineup: G Kemba Walker, G Nicolas Batum, F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F Marvin Williams, C Dwight Howard

Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: F Bam Adebayo

Key Acquisitions: C Kelly Olynyk (Boston)

Starting Lineup: G Goran Dragic, G Dion Waiters, F Justise Winslow, F Kelly Olynyk, C Hassan Whiteside

Head Coach: Frank Vogel

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: F Jonathan Isaac

Key Acquisitions: F Jonathon Simmons (San Antonio), F Marreese Speights (LA Clippers)

Starting Lineup: G Elfrid Payton, G Evan Fournier, F Terrence Ross, F Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Vucevic

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer

Key Position: Everything

Key Rookies: F John Collins

Key Acquisitions: G Marco Belinelli (Charlotte), C Dewayne Dedmon (San Antonio)

Starting Lineup: G Dennis Schroder, G Kent Bazemore, F Taurean Prince, F Ersan Ilyasova, C Dewayne Dedmon