The NBA is BACK and basketball fans around the world are looking forward to an exciting year, but what’s the start of a new season without making preseason playoff pics? Well, we’ve got you covered courtesy of NBAOnlineBlog.com.
Eastern Conference
1. Chicago Bulls
They are a top 5 team without him, but with the former league MVP, look for the Bulls to be at the top of the East.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Lebron is back in town and he’s brought a friend along with him. It will take some time to gel, but one could argue that this is the best team in the East.
3. Washington Wizards
Best backcourt in the NBA? Maybe. A front court of Gortat, Nene, and Pierce elevates them to the #3 spot.
4. Toronto Raptors
You have to love the way the Raptors play. Derozan and Lowry will lead them to the #4 spot.
5. New York Knicks
This team was a lot better than their record showed last year. Melo is back and working out of the triangle big things will be expected.
6. Miami Heat
Just because Lebron is gone, don’t expect Miami to slip much. With the addition of Deng and if Granger can give them anything off the bench Miami will still be a formidable team in the East.
7. Charlotte Hornets
Expect the Hornets to take a step back this season. They have high expectations in Charlotte, but this team still lacks the production it needs off the bench.
8. Atlanta Hawks
The 8th spot was a toss up between the Hawks, Nets, Pacers, and Pistons. They all will battle but with Horford back in the lineup, expect the Hawks to hold down #8
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs
Don’t expect the champs to fall off.
2. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs were the only team to give the spurs a run for their money last year in the playoffs. The additions of Chandler, Felton, and Parsons will be a big help this year.
3. Golden State Warriors
Getting rid of Mark Jackson for an unknown in Steve Kerr may be a bad idea but the talent on this squad is undeniable.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
With Donald Sterling gone, the Clippers can now focus on basketball again.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
They only drop to #5 becasue of the loss of Durant. Come playoff time this is the team you want to avoid.
6. Houston Rockets
Let’s see if Harden and Howard can back up all of that “we are the stars, they are the role players” talk this year.
7. Portland Trailblazers
It’s hard not to like Lillard and Aldridge. It’s the pieces around them that you can’t count on.
8. Memphis Grizzlies
This team is a perimeter scorer away from being a top 4 team, but right now, they just don’t have it.
