1. Milwaukee Bucks

Their superstar in ‘The Greek Freak’ could be primed for an MVP caliber year.

2. Indiana Pacers

They took Cleveland to the brink in the opening round last year and should be a major contender this year.

3. Detroit Pistons

With a different direction on the bench, they could be a surprise contender.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

The second go-round without LeBron should be easier with a better roster than the first time.

5. Chicago Bulls

There’s plenty to build on, but it could be another long year in the Windy City.

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer (Atlanta)

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: G Donte DiVencenzo

Key Acquisitions: F Ersan Ilyasova (Philadelphia), C Brook Lopez (LA Lakers)

Starting Lineup: G Malcolm Brogdon, G Eric Bledsoe, F Khris Middleton, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Brook Lopez

Head Coach: Nate McMillan

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G Aaron Holiday

Key Acquisitions: G Tyreke Evans (Memphis), F Doug McDermott (Dallas)

Starting Lineup: G Darren Collison, G Victor Oladipo, F Bojan Bogdanovic, F Thaddeus Young, C Myles Turner

Head Coach: Dwane Casey (Toronto)

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: C Zaza Pachulia (Golden State)

Starting Lineup: G Reggie Jackson, G Reggie Bullock, F Stanley Johnson, F Blake Griffin, C Andre Drummond

Head Coach: Tyronn Lue

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: G Collin Sexton

Key Acquisitions: None

Starting Lineup: G George Hill, G Rodney Hood, F Cedi Osman, F Kevin Love, C Tristan Thompson

Head Coach: Fred Hoiberg

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: C Wendell Carter Jr.

Key Acquisitions: F Jabari Parker (Milwaukee)

Starting Lineup: G Kris Dunn, G Zach LaVine, F Justin Holiday, F Lauri Markkanen, C Wendell Carter Jr.