On the eve of the 2026-27 NBA campaign, and after an offseason jam-packed with player movement, it's time to assess everything that's happened since the NBA Finals and predict each team's win total this season.
We'll look at past performance and future projections. We'll also review schedules and win totals fromĀ FanDuel Sportsbook. With all of the above and a healthy dose of subjectivity, we'll be able to predict everyone's final record.
Before we get to each squad, though, there's an important note. Each NBA season has a finite number of wins and losses. There are 1,230 wins (and 1,230 losses) in total. The predictions for all 30 teams have to add up to those totals.
Our predictions do exactly that. With the housekeeping out of the way, it's time to dive into each team.
Atlanta Hawks: 45-37
1 of 30
Over-Under: 43.5
In: Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins
Out: Zaccharie Risacher
Rookies: Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, Henri Veesaar
After finishing eighth in points allowed per 100 possessions last season, the Atlanta Hawks leaned even harder into a defense-first identity this offseason.
Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins are coming over from one of the strongest defensive ecosystems in basketball to join a roster that already features Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu.
This rotation has tons of length and athleticism. If it can get enough offense from Johnson, CJ McCollum and NAW, the Hawks could push for 50 wins.
Boston Celtics: 52-30
2 of 30
Over-Under: 51.5
In: Mike Conley, Paul George, Mitchell Robinson
Out: Jaylen Brown, Nikola VuÄeviÄ
Rookies: Chris Cenac Jr., Dillon Mitchell
The Boston Celtics were widely panned in the aftermath of the Jaylen Brown trade, but you don't have to look far to see why.
Paul George's contract is a year shorter than Brown's. He's more adept at playing off the ball. He also came with multiple draft picks.
The deal made Boston more financially flexible and made it easier to build the offense around Jayson Tatum.
Speaking of whom, Tatum is a better individual player than Brown, who led this core to 56 wins last season. Though George is past his prime, he should be able to provide more than Tatum did in 16 appearances in 2025-26.
With those two, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Mitchell Robinson and multiple developing youngsters, this team could finish first in the East.
Brooklyn Nets: 22-60
3 of 30
Over-Under: 24.5
In:Ā Keon Ellis, Julius Randle, Moritz Wagner
Out:Ā Ziaire Williams, Nic Claxton
Rookies:Ā Mikel Brown Jr., Joshua Jefferson, Tyler Bilodeau
This feels a little light for a team with Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. The former's shooting should complement the latter's shooting well.
If Egor DĆ«min, Mikel Brown or one of the other younger players on the roster performs better than expected, the Brooklyn Nets could be too.
The East is significantly stronger than it's been in the past. To limit ourselves to 1,230 total wins for the exercise, some teams will fail to reach their over/under.
Charlotte Hornets: 41-41
4 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 37.5
In:Ā Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, Naz Reid
Out:Ā LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Josh Green
Rookies:Ā Hannes Steinbach, Christian Anderson
The Charlotte Hornets were one of the NBA's most exciting young teams last season. But a few months after their late-season surge fell shy of the playoffs, they unloaded the playmaker largely responsible for their offense.
Despite losing LaMelo Ball, it's easy to be excited about this team's future.
The Hornets still have a ton of shooting on the roster, with Kon Knueppel, Coby White, Brandon Miller paired with newcomers Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and Naz Reid. They're going to be able to "game the system" in a bunch of contests by simply pouring in threes.
Though the absence of LaMelo's playmaking will be felt, that trade will also give Miller and Knueppel more on-ball opportunities (and thus, more growth).
Chicago Bulls: 28-54
5 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 29.5
In:Ā Nic Claxton, Norman Powell
Out:Ā Anfernee Simons, Mouhamadou Gueye, Collin Sexton
Rookies:Ā Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain
For the first time in years, it feels like there's some legitimate longterm hope for the Chicago Bulls. You don't have to look any further than the forward spots to find it.
Norman Powell and Nic Claxton should add some veteran credibility to the team. With those two, Josh Giddey now has more reliable finishers to set up. But it's Matas Buzelis and rookie Caleb Wilson who could have an impact that lasts well beyond 2026-27.
After nearly doubling his scoring average to 16.3 points last season, Buzelis looks poised to clear 20 per game in this one. Wilson, who was mostly used like a bouncy, old-school big man at North Carolina, has flashed wing skills in Summer League and the preseason.
Those two give Chicago loads of athleticism and upside.
Cleveland Cavaliers: 49-33
6 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 48.5
In: Peyton Watson, Mario Hezonja
Out:Ā Larry Nance Jr., Keon Ellis, Dean Wade
Rookies:Ā Meleek Thomas
LeBron James is obviously still a better player than Peyton Watson in a vacuum, but missing out on the legend and "settling" for Watson could ultimately prove beneficial.
Watson looks like a near-ideal complementary wing to slot between offense-first backcourt of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell and the defense-first frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. He can help both duos.
On one end, Watson has developed into a reliable catch-and-shoot option and showed one-on-one scoring prowess when Nikola JokiÄ was out last season. On the other, he's one of the most dynamic weak-side shot-blockers in the league and a capable on-ball defender against longer wings.
Cleveland may have been swept in the conference finals, but the addition of Watson gives them one of the most complete starting fives in the league. That overall talent gives the Cavs a real shot at making the NBA Finals.
Dallas Mavericks: 38-44
7 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 33.5
In:Ā Santi Aldama, Tarik BiberoviÄ, Zaccharie Risacher, Marcus Sasser, Kyrie Irving (back from injury)
Out:Ā Marvin Bagley, AJ Johnson, Khris Middleton, Ryan Nembhard
Rookies:Ā Morez Johnson, Sergio de Larrea, Tobi Lawal, Vsevolod Ishchenko
Legitimate superstardom could come earlier than expected for Cooper Flagg, who's scoring with ease in the preseason and now has Kyrie Irving to draw defenses away.
When both are on the floor and surrounded by at least a couple of shooters, the Mavs should be tough to defend. Assuming Dereck Lively II can get healthy or Daniel Gafford can stay that way, there's plenty of length to be disruptive on the other end, too.
There's still a chance Irving is moved on from for a rebuild-eyed move. There's enough unproven talent around to make 50 wins a long shot. But 33.5 feels awfully low for the Mavs.
Denver Nuggets: 50-32
8 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 48.5
In:Ā DeMar DeRozan, Marvin Bagley III, Alpha Diallo, Ryan Nembhard
Out:Ā Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas ValanÄiÅ«nas, Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson
Rookies:Ā Trevon Brazile, Bryce Hopkins
After another embarrassing playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets ran it back with the same starting five, but they almost completely overhauled their second unit.
They can now run out lineups led (at least on the offensive end) by DeMar DeRozan, who should be able to light up reserve defenders. Marvin Bagley is a bouncier athlete than Jonas ValanÄiÅ«nas. Though Diallo is still unproven at this level, the reigning EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year looks more than ready to bring some chaos based on his preseason minutes.
If the starters remain a dominant regular-season force (as they should) and the new bench can simply play even with their opponents, 50 wins may be an overly conservative estimate for Denver.
Detroit Pistons: 50-32
9 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 47.5
In:Ā John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince
Out:Ā Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser, Isaiah Stewart
Rookies:Ā Ebuka Okorie, Ugonna Onyenso
The contract standoff between the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren ended with the big man signing a five-year, $200 million deal, but his return certainly doesn't guarantee a repeat of last season's success.
60 wins will be an incredibly hard total to reach this season, with the new anti-tanking rules in place and the East, specifically, taking on a ton of talent this offseason.
Even if Ausar Thompson and Cade Cunningham improve, John Collins plays better than Tobias Harris and Isaiah Joe's shooting charges up the offense (all pretty likely), there's just too much competition now for the Pistons to improve on their 2025-26 win total.
Golden State Warriors: 34-48
10 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 36.5
In: Georges Niang
Out:Ā Quinten Post
Rookies:Ā Yaxel Lendeborg, Lajae Jones
Yaxel Lendeborg looks ready to contribute to winning basketball right now. This preseason, he's averaging 23.9 points, 15.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per 75 possessions, while shooting 44.4 percent from deep.
He could, realistically, be Golden State's second-best player right now.
But as cool as that is for him individually, it's not a formula for getting Stephen Curry back to title contention.
As good as those two might be, and as many wide-ranging contributions as Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski might provide, the Warriors missing Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps PorziÅÄ£is (who remains out with a mystery illness) will be too much for those left standing to overcome.
Houston Rockets: 50-32
11 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 48.5
In:Ā Bogdan BogdanoviÄ, Marcus Smart, Fred VanVleet (back from injury)
Out:Ā Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Okogie
Rookies:Ā Bruce Thornton
The Houston Rockets feel like a sneaky title contender, with Fred VanVleet returning to steady the offense and Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith and Alperen ÅengĆ¼n still developing.
This rotation is suddenly loaded with playmaking (from ÅengĆ¼n, Sheppard, VanVleet and Thompson), shooting (from VanVleet, Kevin Durant and Sheppard, at the very least) and length (with KD, Smith and Tari Eason). ÅengĆ¼n and Steven Adams can make this team a nightmare on the boards again.
Beyond all that, Houston got deeper by adding veterans Bogdan BogdanoviÄ and Marcus Smart to the second unit.
Indiana Pacers: 46-36
12 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 44.5
In:Ā Larry Nance Jr., Kelly Oubre Jr., Tyrese Haliburton (back from injury)
Out:Ā Kam Jones, Micah Potter
Rookies:Ā Braden Smith
There's a chance Tyrese Haliburton is returning to a better team than the one he left.
Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker had the chance to carry more responsibility in his absence. They grew because of it. Ivica Zubac doesn't shoot like Myles Turner, but he's a far better rebounder, takes up more space on defense and can be a dominant finisher inside. Kelly Oubre can replace a lot of the scoring punch Bennedict Mathurin brought off the bench.
But ultimately, the Indiana Pacers' chance of recapturing the magic of 2025 rests in the hands of Haliburton, as he's moving well in the preseason, converting jumpers and lifting everyone with his playmaking.
Los Angeles Clippers: 22-58
13 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 27.5
In:Ā Rui Hachimura, Gradey Dick, Brandon Ingram
Out:Ā Bogdan BogdanoviÄ, John Collins, Kawhi Leonard
Rookies:Ā Keaton Wagler, Baba Miller, Nick Martinelli, Narcisse Ngoy
After the NBA determined that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap with numerous side deals for Kawhi Leonard, the team was hit with the stiffest penalties the league has ever handed down.
While that mostly impacts the long-term prospects of the team (they have to forfeit five first-round picks), the present is pretty bleak too.
Darius Garland is a fun playmaker, but he's often hurt. Rui Hachimura has long deserved more usage on the offensive end, but it remains to be seen if he's as good a shooter without LeBron James or Luka DonÄiÄ setting him up. Brandon Ingram was hurt coming into this season. Max Strus joined him on the injury report this preseason.
Altogether, it's starting to look like the pain of this offseason was only the beginning for Clippers fans. There's a real chance this is the West's worst team right now.
Los Angeles Lakers: 50-32
14 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 45.5
In:Ā Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton
Out:Ā Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart
Rookies:Ā Cameron Carr
The Los Angeles Lakers may not get a ton of stops this season, but neither will their opponents.
This has been Luka DonÄiÄ's team from the moment he arrived, but now that LeBron James is gone, it's unquestionably so. He's surrounded by players who are almost entirely complementary to his game.
Walker Kessler may exemplify that most, with his rim-running and lob-catching on one end and his ability to cover for Luka and Austin Reaves' weaknesses on the other.
Memphis Grizzlies: 31-51
15 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 30.5
In:Ā Jerami Grant, AJ Johnson, Kris Murray, Quinten Post, Isaiah Stewart
Out:Ā Santi Aldama, Ja Morant
Rookies:Ā Cameron Boozer, Karim LĆ³pez, Richie Saunders
It's tempting to have the Memphis Grizzlies even further clear of that over-under.
Cameron Boozer already looks like a five-year vet. In limited appearances, Ty Jerome ranked eighth in the league in estimated plus-minus last season. Zach Edey is a double-double machine when healthy.
Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, Scotty Pippen, Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart all have the potential to be quality role players in 2026-27.
This is a deep team that will play hard and be well-coached. The top-end talent still needs time to develop, but the Grizzlies will be a tougher out than many expect.
Miami Heat: 50-32
16 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 46.5
In:Ā Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bobby Portis
Out:Ā Tyler Herro, Kasparas JakuÄionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Norman Powell, Kel'el Ware
Rookies:Ā Ryan Conwell
There was a lot of talk of the stylistic overlap between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo shortly after the Miami Heat traded for the former. Yes, the lack of three-point shooting from those two is a concern worth addressing.
But it's hard to look at the rest of Miami's offseason (and the resulting roster) without thinking they did exactly that.
Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Porter can all be plus three-point shooters, relative to their roles and positions. Pelle Larsson, Nikola JoviÄ and Simone Fontecchio can too.
In fact, there's a world where Bam and Giannis are the only non-shooters meaningfully in the rotation. If that's the case, both should have plenty of driving lanes to exploit. The wins will stack up because of it.
Milwaukee Bucks: 18-64
17 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 25.5
In:Ā Tyler Herro, Kasparas JakuÄionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Caris LeVert, Kel'el Ware
Out:Ā Giannis Antetokounmpo, Gary Harris, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince
Rookies:Ā Brayden Burries, Nate Ament, Malique Lewis
After years of teasing his desire to leave, the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo era is mercifully over.
While the start of a rebuild can be painful, Bucks fans may find some solace in knowing their best player no longer has one foot out the door.
They also have a handful of intriguing young (or youngish) talents who could actually generate some hope for the future. Tyler Herro, Kasparas JakuÄionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and rookie Brayden Burries bring loads of talent (or at least potential) on the playmaking and positional versatility fronts.
Minnesota Timberwolves: 50-32
18 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 46.5
In:Ā LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, Trey Lyles
Out:Ā Kyle Anderson, Mike Conley, Julius Randle, Naz Reid
Rookies:Ā Isaiah Evans, Trey Kaufman-Renn
Minutes are always limited in the preseason. They'll surely need a bit of an adjustment period early in the regular season. But LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards have already had moments of dynamism that make it easy to get excited about the Minnesota Timberwolves' offense.
It's hard to attribute that to anything but the infusion of life that came with Ball.
"He's always in a great mood," head coach Chris Finch told reporters. "We referred to ourselves as a moody team in the last couple of years, at times, and it's probably gotten in our way. We've traded moodiness for giddiness."
With a little more joy on one end and Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels still generating intensity on the other, Minnesota should be a very real title contender this season.
New Orleans Pelicans: 27-55
19 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 28.5
In: Bennedict Mathurin
Out:Ā Kevon Looney
Rookies:Ā Jaron Pierre Jr.
For years, it's felt like the New Orleans Pelicans should be talented enough to at least push for a play-in spot, but they weren't even close in each of the last two campaigns.
Despite the roster still featuring a decent amount of raw talent, the preseason over-under has clearly adjusted to their inability to meet expectations.
Still, this feels like an "if they stay healthy" play-in contender with multiple 20-point-per-game scorers (Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray), a pair of intriguing young talents (Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears) and some scoring punch off the bench (Bennedict Mathurin).
It's just that the qualifier is even more loaded here than it is for other teams, considering the fact that Zion has averaged fewer than 40 appearances per year in his career.
New York Knicks: 52-30
20 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 51.5
In:Ā Andre Drummond
Out:Ā Ariel Hukporti, Mitchell Robinson
Rookies:Ā Jack Kayil, Tyler Nickel
Coming off their first title since 1973, the New York Knicks lost rebounding force Mitchell Robinson, but they're still very real contenders to finish first in the East and become the league's first repeat champs in nearly a decade.
Most importantly, they're bringing back all of their stacked starting five, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns providing plenty of offense, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges forming one of the best three-and-D duos in the league and Josh Hart filling the few gaps that might be left after those four.
While losing Robinson could be a problem, New York still has one of the league's better backup 5s in veteran Andre Drummond.
It's not the deepest team in the East, but 50-plus wins is still very much in play.
Oklahoma City Thunder: 56-26
21 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 61.5
In:Ā š¤·āāļø
Out:Ā Branden Carlson, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins
Rookies:Ā Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, Otega Oweh
Going "under" on the Oklahoma City Thunder has more to do with the rest of the league than it does with OKC.
Spoiler alert: If every one of these predictions were spot-on correct, the Thunder would have the best record in the league in 2026-27.
It's easy to see everyone's win totals suppressed a bit by the new anti-tanking rules and the way talent has been spread across the NBA.
OKC contributed to the latter by unloading Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, all in an effort to dodge the second apron. Now, their depth relies heavily on younger players like Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, Nikola TopiÄ, Thomas Sorber and maybe even rookies Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz.
Those two, specifically, are generating plenty of hope for the second unit. In the preseason, Mara is averaging 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in just 23.8 minutes, shooting 79.3 percent from the field. Stirtz has produced 17.0 points and 3.3 assists, while shooting 53.8 percent from deep.
Orlando Magic: 45-37
22 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 43.5
In:Ā Nikola VuÄeviÄ
Out:Ā Moritz Wagner
Rookies:Ā Izaiyah Nelson
The Orlando Magic are mostly relying on a new-coach bump to improve on last season's shy-of-expectations performance. Well, that and, hopefully, better health for their best players.
In each of the last two seasons, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs each missed at least 20 games. In 2024-25, Paolo Banchero missed more than 30 games.
But in that same two-year stretch, when all three of those players are on the floor, Orlando is plus-9.0 points per 100 possessions.
Philadelphia 76ers: 50-32
23 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 49.5
In:Ā Anfernee Simons, Jaylen Brown, Ariel Hukporti, LeBron James, Dean Wade
Out:Ā Paul George, Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond
Rookies:Ā Labaron Philon Jr.
The questions about availability are very real for the Philadelphia 76ers.
LeBron James is entering his age-42 season. The oft-injured Joel Embiid could barely get off the floor in his lone preseason appearance. When one or both are out, the offense could bog down. Absences from either or both could also make it tough for the whole team to develop the chemistry necessary to contend.
But in terms of raw talent, there may not be another team in the league that has more in its starting five.
The aforementioned superstars, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe, will bring an absurd amount of scoring, playmaking and experience. The bench, with Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade, may be a little underrated too.
So even if injuries cause them some problems along the way, Philadelphia should absolutely be in the championship mix.
Phoenix Suns: 34-48
24 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 38.5
In:Ā Miles Bridges, Luke Kennard
Out:Ā Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale
Rookies:Ā Koa Peat
After they won an unexpected 45 games in 2025-26, this feels like an overly harsh assessment of the Phoenix Suns.
They're not going to take as many opponents by surprise this season as they did last season. Two of the key players who made them a pleasant surprise are now gone.
Of course, if you could quantify talent, you could certainly argue that Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard would have more than Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. But last season's duo brought defensive grit and unselfishness on offense in ways that complemented the team.
Devin Booker should still be one of the 20-30 best players in the league. Dillon Brooks should help them maintain at least a lot of last season's attitude. That said, Phoenix ultimately had to be one of the casualties of the "there are only 1,230 wins available" rule.
Portland Trail Blazers: 42-40
25 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 41.5
In:Ā Branden Carlson, Ja Morant, Micah Potter, Damian Lillard (back from injury)
Out:Ā Matisse Thybulle, Jerami Grant, Kris Murray
Rookies:Ā š¤·āāļø
The Portland Trail Blazers are another candidate for a step back in 2026-27 (at least in terms of wins and losses), but there's a fundamental difference between them and the Suns.
Devin Booker is now entering his 30s, being three full seasons removed from his career-high in offensive box plus/minus. Deni Avdija, on the other hand, turns 26 in January, made his first All-Star team last season and has increased his scoring average every year he's played in the NBA.
In other words, Portland's best player is ascending. Though he'll have to adjust to playing with ball-dominant guards Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, his two-way impact on a deeper roster should help the Blazers get to 42 wins again.
Sacramento Kings: 19-63
26 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 20.5
In:Ā Ben Simmons
Out:Ā Devin Carter, DeMar DeRozan
Rookies:Ā Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban, Emanuel Sharp
The Sacramento Kings are expected to be in the mix for the worst record in the West during the regular season.
What makes it a little easier to see them finishing lower than the Clippers is that, despite the new anti-tanking rules, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis seem like two of the league's most likely trade candidates this season.
Without them, we'll have plenty of fun watching rookie Darius Acuff dominate the ball, but that won't lead to many wins this season.
San Antonio Spurs: 55-27
27 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 60.5
In:Ā Tobias Harris
Out:Ā Kelly Olynyk
Rookies:Ā Jayden Quaintance, Tarris Reed Jr., Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Maliq Brown
These predictions have the Thunder finishing first in the West, but no one would be surprised to see the San Antonio Spurs in that spot.
All three of their best playersāVictor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castleāare several years away from their primes. All three should be better in 2026-27. The same could be said of Carter Bryant.
The only real difference in the veteran supporting cast is that Tobias Harris essentially replaces Kelly Olynyk, which should make the defense more switchable and the offense a little more dangerous off the bounce.
Barring injuries (always a concern with Wemby), this is a team that could absolutely be back in the Finals.
Toronto Raptors: 48-34
28 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 46.5
In:Ā Kyle Anderson, Kawhi Leonard
Out:Ā Gradey Dick, Brandon Ingram, Sandro Mamukelashvili
Rookies:Ā Allen Graves, Jaden Bradley
The over-under on the Toronto Raptors has jumped by two full wins in the last couple of months. It's not hard to see why.
After Kawhi Leonard escaped the league's "Aspiration/cap circumvention" investigation, essentially, scot-free, Toronto and LA were allowed to complete the trade that reunited Kawhi with the Raptors.
With him in Brandon Ingram's spot and the rest of last season's most important players still in place, this team has a chance to be a real contender.
Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles will lead a potentially tenacious defense. Leonard's one-on-one scoring ability will take a ton of offensive pressure off Barnes and RJ Barrett.
Utah Jazz: 38-44
29 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 37.5
In:Ā Jaxson Hayes, Josh Okogie
Out:Ā Walker Kessler
Rookies:Ā Darryn Peterson
The Utah Jazz are a trendy pick to pivot out of their rebuild and into play-in contention. Healthy seasons from Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. could certainly get them there.
Utah is still depending heavily on young players who've never been on winning NBA teams. That's particularly true in the backcourt, where Keyonte George is still on his rookie contract (though he played like a vet last season) and Darryn Peterson is in his first campaign in the league.
The learning curve may be a little steeper than expected, especially if Markkanen and Jackson play as many games as they typically do. The former has averaged 54.7 appearances per season in his career, while the latter has averaged 56.9.
Washington Wizards: 38-44
30 of 30
Over-Under:Ā 34.5
In:Ā Deandre Ayton, Khris Middleton, Anthony Davis (back from injury)
Out:Ā Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell
Rookies:Ā AJ Dybantsa, Felix Okpara
Like the Jazz, the Washington Wizards should absolutely be better than they were last season.
Much has been said about their weaknesses in recent years, but Anthony Davis and Trae Young complement each other well. Having them around and commanding attention in the middle of the floor will accelerate Alex Sarr's development and soften AJ Dybantsa's landing in the league.
If one or two of the young guys, like Dybantsa or Tre Johnson, are better than expected, Washington might even threaten to finish above .500.
But Davis is one of the biggest injury risks in the league. Dybantsa, despite his immense talent, will experience NBA growing pains. High-end defense has long been tough to achieve when Young is on the floor.
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