1. Miami Heat

The rest of the conference took notes from their run to the Finals last season. That doesn’t mean Miami won’t be able to replicate it.

2. Atlanta Hawks

Their roster rebuild is starting to take shape and it could result in a surprise playoff appearance.

3. Orlando Magic

Losing Jonathan Isaac will be a tough pill to swallow. If Markelle Fultz continues to improve they could move up in the standings.

4. Charlotte Hornets

They missed out on Gordon Hayward when he was a restricted free-agent. Now that they got him this last offseason will he be worth the wait?

5. Washington Wizards

As first John Wall wasn’t going to be traded. Then he was just as training camp got under way. I don’t see Russell Westbrook or Bradley Beal staying long-term.

Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: F Precious Achiuwa

Key Acquisitions: F Maurice Harkless (New York), G Avery Bradley (LA Lakers)

Starting Lineup: G Avery Bradley, G Tyler Herro, F Duncan Robinson, F Jimmy Butler, C Bam Adebayo

Head Coach: Lloyd Pierce

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: C Onyeka Okongwu

Key Acquisitions: G Bogdan Bogdanovic (Sacramento), F Danilo Gallinari (Oklahoma City), G Rajon Rondo (LA Lakers)

Starting Lineup: G Trae Young, G Bogdan Bogdanovic, F De’Andre Hunter, F John Collins, C Clint Capela

Head Coach: Steve Clifford

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G Cole Anthony

Key Acquisitions: F Dwayne Bacon (Charlotte)

Starting Lineup: G Markelle Fultz, G Evan Fournier, F Dwayne Bacon, F Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Vucevic

Head Coach: James Borrego

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G LaMelo Ball

Key Acquisitions: F Gordon Hayward (Boston)

Starting Lineup: G Devonte’ Graham, G Terry Rozier, F Gordon Hayward, F P.J. Washington, C Cody Zeller

Head Coach: Scott Brooks

Key Position: Everything

Key Rookies: F Deni Avdija

Key Acquisitions: C Robin Lopez (Milwaukee), G Russell Westbrook (Houston)

Starting Lineup: G Russell Westbrook, G Bradley Beal, F Deni Avdija, F Davis Bertans, C Thomas Bryant