1. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have been the top seed the past two seasons, so why stop now, especially now that any drama over Giannis Antetokounmpo has subsided?
2. Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum's star keeps ascending as he is growing into becoming one of the most fearsome offensive players in the league.
3. Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo turned the Heat into title contenders a season ago when nobody thought it would be. How will Miami handle sky-high expectations?
4. Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant is back to reclaim his place as one of the game's best players. Can he and Kyrie Irving get along on the court to translate their talent into wins?
5. Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry form a steady core, though they'll have to compensate for the loss of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
Will they swing a deal for James Harden? If not, it's hard to see the on-court chemistry of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid getting any better.
7. Atlanta Hawks
Solid acquisitions in Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari help complement Trae Young and John Collins.
8. Indiana Pacers
A turbulent offseason included reports that Victor Oladipo was unhappy playing in Indiana.