Pacific Division

1. Golden State Warriors

There shouldn’t be any doubt that they will be in line for another title run.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Their identity has changed a bit, but they should be considered favorites to make the playoffs.

3. Sacramento Kings

A different looking roster has them poised to make a move up the standings.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

In the grand scheme of things this should be the year they show improved play.

5. Phoenix Suns

Another year of transition should have them be contenders for the playoffs next year. Continue reading →

Northwest Division

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The reigning MVP has two superstars to help carry the load.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

An influx of talent has been added with the likes of Towns and Wiggins.

3. Portland Trail Blazers

A full season with Nurkic at center will be interesting to see.

4. Denver Nuggets

This will be a sneaky good team with the emergence of Nikola Jokic.

5. Utah Jazz

Losing Gordon Hayward will hurt, but Utah should remain competitive. Continue reading →

Southwest Division

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

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

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 →