Basketball

Southwest Division

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1. San Antonio Spurs

There wasn’t any splashy moves, but their depth is what will help them stay as contenders.

2. Houston Rockets

Getting Chris Paul could put them into the top tier of the conference.

3. New Orleans Pelicans

A full season with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins should have them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

The conference has gotten tougher for them to sneak into a low playoff seed.

5. Dallas Mavericks

There is some excitement surrounding their lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr. and what the future holds for this franchise. Continue reading →

Southeast Division

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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. Continue reading →

Central Division

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1. Cleveland Cavaliers

With just a few tweaks, they’re poised to make another title run.

2. Milwaukee Bucks

Time for them to make their move in the wide open Eastern Conference.

3. Detroit Pistons

At best they’ll clinch a low seed in the playoffs.

4. Indiana Pacers

They’re starting over with Paul George gone, but they are in better shape than most thought they would be.

5. Chicago Bulls

It’s been a while since the Bulls were in a rebuilding mode. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

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1. Boston Celtics

Adding Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving puts them in the same class with Cleveland.

2. Toronto Raptors

It’s business as usual for the lone Canadian franchise.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Time to see all their top tier talent make a playoff appearance.

4. New York Knicks

The era of Kristaps Porzingis has begun.

5. Brooklyn Nets

It’s a better roster, but it will be another transition year in Brooklyn. Continue reading →