1. Houston Rockets

They were one win away from the Finals last year. They won’t change what worked for them last year.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Gone is Kawhi Leonard and replacing him is a perennial scorer in DeMar DeRozan who changes the focus of this team.

3. New Orleans Pelicans

Even without DeMarcus Cousins this team is capable of making a surprising run in the competitive Western Conference.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Health is the biggest factor for them. Mainly with their point guard Mike Conley.

5. Dallas Mavericks

Getting Luka Doncic was exactly what this franchise needed.

Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: F James Ennis (Detroit), F Carmelo Anthony (Oklahoma City)

Starting Lineup: G Chris Paul, G James Harden, F James Ennis, F P.J. Tucker, C Clint Capela

Head Coach: Gregg Popovich

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G Lonnie Walker

Key Acquisitions: G DeMar DeRozan (Toronto), G Marco Belinelli (Philadelphia), F Dante Cunningham (Brooklyn)

Starting Lineup: G Bryn Forbes, G DeMar DeRozan, F Rudy Gay, F Dante Cunningham, C LaMarcus Aldridge

Head Coach: Alvin Gentry

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Elfrid Payton (Phoenix), F Julius Randle (LA Lakers)

Starting Lineup: G Elfrid Payton, G Jrue Holiday, F E’Twaun Moore, F Nikola Mirotic, C Anthony Davis

Head Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: F Jaren Jackson Jr.

Key Acquisitions: F Kyle Anderson (San Antonio), G Garrett Temple (Sacramento), G Shelvin Mack (Orlando)

Starting Lineup: G Mike Conley, G Garrett Temple, F Chandler Parsons, F JaMychal Green, C Marc Gasol

Head Coach: Rick Carlisle

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G Luka Doncic, G Jalen Brunson

Key Acquisitions: C DeAndre Jordan (LA Clippers)

Starting Lineup: G Dennis Smith Jr., G Luka Doncic, F Wesley Matthews, F Harrison Barnes, C DeAndre Jordan