1. Houston Rockets

What they will accomplish in the regular season will be impressive, but can they duplicate that in the playoffs?

2. San Antonio Spurs

This is going to be a transition year for them, but we’ve said that before and they’ve surprised us.

3. Dallas Mavericks

It’s an exciting time in Dallas. Their future looks really good with Doncic and now Porzingis in the fold.

4. New Orleans Pelicans

They lucked out with getting Zion and have a tremendous foundation to build from with the Anthony Davis trade.

5. Memphis Grizzlies

The rebuild is in full swing and the pieces they’ve accumulated could pan out quicker than previous thought.

Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni

Key Position: Guards

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City)

Starting Lineup: G Russell Westbrook, G James Harden, F PJ Tucker, F Ryan Anderson, C Clint Capela

Head Coach: Gregg Popovich

Key Position: Forwards

Key Rookies: F Luka Samanic

Key Acquisitions: F DeMarre Carroll (Brooklyn)

Starting Lineup: G Dejounte Murray, G Derrick White, F DeMar DeRozan, F Rudy Gay, C LaMarcus Aldridge

Head Coach: Rick Carlisle

Key Position: Forwards

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: C Boban Marjanovic (Philadelphia), G Delon Wright (Memphis)

Starting Lineup: G Luka Doncic, G Courtney Lee, F Tim Hardaway Jr., F Dwight Powell, C Kristaps Porzingis

Head Coach: Alvin Gentry

Key Position: Everything

Key Rookies: F Zion Williamson, F Jaxson Hayes

Key Acquisitions: G JJ Redick (Philadelphia), F Brandon Ingram (LA Lakers), G Josh Hart (LA Lakers), G Lonzo Ball (LA Lakers), F Derrick Favors (Utah)

Starting Lineup: G Lonzo Ball, G Jrue Holiday, F Brandon Ingram, F Zion Williamson, C Derrick Favors

Head Coach: Taylor Jenkins (Milwaukee)

Key Position: Everything

Key Rookies: G Ja Morant, F Brandon Clarke

Key Acquisitions: F Jae Crowder (Utah), F Josh Jackson (Phoenix), G Tyus Jones (Minnesota)

Starting Lineup: G Ja Morant, G Kyle Anderson, F Jae Crowder, F Jaren Jackson Jr., C Jonas Valanciunas