Expanded NBA Conference Outlook: A Division-by-Division Preview
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics: The Celtics remain the favorites in the Atlantic Division, despite losing Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in free agency. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are two of the most promising young players in the league, and they will be joined by Kemba Walker, who should provide them with a much-needed boost on offense.
Toronto Raptors: The Raptors are the defending NBA champions, but they will have a tough time repeating without Kawhi Leonard. Pascal Siakam is a rising star, but he will need to take on a bigger role this season.
Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers are one of the most talented teams in the league, but they have yet to live up to their potential. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are both All-Stars, but they need to find a way to play together more effectively.
Brooklyn Nets: The Nets are a dark horse to win the Atlantic Division this season. They have added Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, two of the best players in the league. If they can stay healthy, they could be a major threat.
New York Knicks: The Knicks are still rebuilding, but they have some promising young players in R.J. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. They should be competitive this season, but they are not likely to make the playoffs.
Central Division
Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks are the favorites in the Central Division, and they should be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the reigning MVP, and he is surrounded by a talented supporting cast.
Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are a perennial playoff team, but they have never been able to get over the hump. They have a solid roster, but they will need to play better defense this season if they want to make a deep playoff run.
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons are rebuilding, and they are not likely to be competitive this season. They have some promising young players, but they need more time to develop.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers are also rebuilding, and they are not likely to be competitive this season. They have some talented young players, but they need more time to develop.
Southeast Division
Miami Heat: The Heat are the favorites in the Southeast Division, and they should be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Jimmy Butler is a superstar, and he is surrounded by a talented supporting cast.
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.
Washington Wizards: The Wizards are a rebuilding team, and they are not likely to be competitive this season. They have some promising young players, but they need more time to develop.
Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.
Orlando Magic: The Magic are a rebuilding team, and they are not likely to be competitive this season. They have some promising young players, but they need more time to develop.
Western Conference
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are the favorites in the Northwest Division, and they should be one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Nikola Jokic is a superstar, and he is surrounded by a talented supporting cast.
Portland Trail Blazers: The Trail Blazers are a perennial playoff team, but they have never been able to get over the hump. They have a solid roster, but they will need to play better defense this season if they want to make a deep playoff run.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder are rebuilding, and they are not likely to be competitive this season. They have some promising young players, but they need more time to develop.
Minnesota Timberwolves: The Timberwolves are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.
Pacific Division
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers are the favorites in the Pacific Division, and they should be one of the best teams in the Western Conference. LeBron James is still one of the best players in the league, and he is surrounded by a talented supporting cast.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers are a dark horse to win the Pacific Division this season. They have added Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, two of the best players in the league. If they can stay healthy, they could be a major threat.
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are rebuilding, and they are not likely to be competitive this season. They have lost Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson to injury, and they do not have much depth.
Sacramento Kings: The Kings are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.
Phoenix Suns: The Suns are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.
Southwest Division
Houston Rockets: The Rockets are the favorites in the Southwest Division, and they should be one of the best teams in the Western Conference. James Harden is one of the best players in the league, and he is surrounded by a talented supporting cast.
Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks are a young team with a lot of potential. They have some talented players, but they need to find a way to be more consistent.