It’s that time of year again. The National Basketball Association (NBA) season is officially back. There are fresh and new lineups all around the league, and this highly anticipated season is poised to be a great one.

With the new NBA season, there are always new opinions. There are some hot takes and some cold takes. Every NBA fan loves to see if their opinion or take is accurate.

This year, an in-depth preview of each team will be discussed. The way they are ranked is by power ranking, which is teams rank out of all 30 teams. The teams are ranked by conference rank, which is their rank among their 15 conference foes and their projected win total. The range of wins is given. These wins are out of the 82 games.

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks had an impressive 2021-2022 season. Atlanta made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals defeating the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. They fell short of the NBA Finals, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the team returns all five of their starters, including Trae Young who averaged 25.3 points per game, along with 9.4 assists per game. The team also returns an empowering frontcourt with Wake Forest alum John Collins and last year’s league leader in rebounds Clint Capela. This season, expect the Hawks to make another playoff run. They will be a playoff team yet again.
Power Ranking: 12
Conference Ranking: 6
Projected Win Total: 44-46

Boston Celtics

Last year, the Celtics had a disappointing season. The team finished 36-36 and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Despite the underwhelming season, the Celtics look to bounce back. The team lost Kemba Walker to the Knicks in free agency but snagged some players of their own. The team picked up Al Horford, Enes Kanter and Josh Richardson. This year, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be leading the charge. Tatum and Brown both made the all-star game last season and combined for over 50 points per game. With defensive anchors like Marcus Smart and Robert Williams returning, the Celtics will be a playoff team. If they are yet again plagued with injuries, they will be a fringe playoff team.
Power Ranking: 16
Conference Ranking: 9
Projected Win Total: 42-44

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets had a solid year, finishing with a 48-24 record. However, the team fell short in the playoffs after losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round. This season, the team returns James Harden, Kevin Durant and James Harden. All three players made the all-star game last season and aim to have another strong campaign. The team also has veteran players and former all-stars in Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap and Lamarcus Aldridge. With former three-point contest champion Joe Harris returning and the team signing Patty Mills, the Nets have a complete offense. The Nets will be a playoff team and will have an opportunity to win the NBA championship.
Power Ranking: 7
Conference Ranking: 3
Projected Win Total: 48-50

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets were a fringe playoff team last season, finishing 33-39. Charlotte lost in the Play-in game against the Indiana Pacers but is bound to improve this season. Last season, the team was led by Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward. Rozier averaged over 20 points per game and Hayward averaged 19.6 points per game. The team also has a former rookie of the year Lamelo Ball returning. With young stars like Miles Bridges and PJ Washington returning, the team will achieve success. In the offseason, they also added Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mason Plumlee. With the depth and the solid starting five, the team can make a run in the playoffs.
Power Ranking: 15
Conference Ranking: 8
Projected Win Total: 42-44

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls went on a slump at the tail end of 2021. Nonetheless, this year, the Bulls are a legit playoff team. With 2021 all-star Nikola Vucevic and UCLA alum Zach Lavine returning, Chicago will be a contender. During the offseason, the Bulls signed 4-time all-star, Demar Derozan. In addition, the team added to their depth, signing Alex Caruso and trading for Derrick Jones Jr. The team also has young talent with Coby White and Patrick Williams. The Bulls are a sleeper team that can make noise. Expect the Bulls to have a strong season.
Power Ranking: 6
Conference Ranking: 2
Projected Win Total: 53-55

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have an interesting team this year. They have an enormous arsenal in the frontcourt. The team has Kevin Love and Jarrett Allen returning. Cleveland also drafted USC alum Evan Mobley and traded for power forward Lauri Markkanen. The Cavaliers backcourt consists of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, who are both under 22 years old. Last season, Sexton averaged 24.3 points per game, leading the team in that category. Last season, the Cavaliers lacked depth. Also, the team struggled with injuries last year. This year, they have Ricky Rubio now. They also signed veterans Ed Davis and Denzel Valentine. The Cavaliers will surprise some teams. With more experience, they have an opportunity to be a fringe playoff team.
Power Ranking: 19
Conference Ranking: 10
Projected Win Total: 40-42

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are way too young. The team only has five players who have been in the league for over five years. This year, Jerami Grant will lead the charge for the Pistons. Last season, the seven-year player had a career season, averaging 22.3 points per game. The team also has Saddiq Bey returning, who is bound to have another great year. The team also drafted Cade Cunningham, having the first pick in the draft. The former Oklahoma State guard was a top college recruit and one-and-done for the Cowboys last year. Despite having a young core, this team is years away. They will miss the playoffs and be in the cellar of the Eastern Conference.
Power Ranking: 30
Conference Ranking: 15
Projected Win Total: 18-20

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers return three players who averaged over 20 points last season. Those three players are NBA all-star Damontis Sabonis, Caris Levert and Malcolm Brogdon. Indiana also has TJ Warren returning. Warren only played four games last year after suffering an injury, but in his last full season in 2019-2020, the NC State alum averaged 19.8 points per game. The team also has a defensive anchor in center Myles Turner, who averaged nearly 3 blocks per game last season. The Pacers also have depth with Jeremy Lamb and newly drafted Chris Duarte, coming off the bench. Nevertheless, the team tends to have injury struggles. With an improved Eastern Conference, the Pacers will be a borderline playoff team.
Power Ranking: 22
Conference Ranking: 11
Projected Win Total: 38-40

Miami Heat

The Heat will be a playoff team. With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Victor Oladipo all returning, Miami is bound to have a solid year. The Heat also acquired veteran point guard and former Toronto Raptor, Kyle Lowry. With guards Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, the Heat have a ton of depth and also have a mix of experience and young talent. The Heat will be a top-five team in the Eastern Conference this year. The Heat’s offense and Miami’s tenacity will be tough for teams to handle.
Power Ranking: 10
Conference Ranking: 5
Projected Win Total: 45-47

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks can’t get much better than last year. Milwaukee had a dominant season, winning the NBA Championship. This year, the Bucks have their entire starting five back including Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez all returning, the Bucks will finish at the top of the Eastern Conference. The team also has a ton of depth, pulling players like Donte DiVencenzo, Rodney Hood and Bobby Portis off their bench. Expect the bucks to have another big run. They have the potential to win it all once again.
Power Ranking: 1
Conference Ranking: 1
Projected Win Total: 56-58

New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have what it takes to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference this year. Julius Randle returns to the team after having his first all-star appearance, averaging 24.1 points per game, along with 10.2 rebounds per game. The team also signed 4-time all-star Kemba Walker who averaged 19.3 points per game last season for the Boston Celtics. With RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson and Derrick Rose returning and the acquisition of Evan Fournier, the Knicks will have a solid team. Obi Toppin and Alec Burks are also talents that add depth and power to the Knicks lineup. The Knicks will be a top-five team in the East.
Power Ranking: 8
Conference Ranking: 4
Projected Win Total: 48-50

Orlando Magic

The Magic are in full rebuild mode. The team recently drafted Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs in the 2021 NBA draft and they do have a young team. Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz both return this season. Nevertheless, Fultz will miss the beginning of the season due to an ACL tear he suffered last season. The Magic will rely on second-year point guard Cole Anthony who averaged 12.9 points per game last season and Mo Bamba who averaged 8 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds per game. Terrence Ross and Gary Harris do add veteran depth, but the team is too inexperienced to make the playoffs. They will dwell at the bottom of the standings.
Power Ranking: 27
Conference Ranking: 14
Projected Win Total: 23-25

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers had a strong season last year. However, the team fell short, losing in seven games to the Atlanta Hawks in the second round. This year, the 76ers look to bounce back, but there is a lot of drama surrounding Ben Simmons. The team hasn’t budged to trade him, and he refuses to play. Nonetheless, the team still has enough star power to win some games. The team has all-star Joel Embiid and veteran forward Tobias Harris returning. They also signed Andre Drummond, who is a tenacious rebounder. This signing makes them one of the better rebounding teams in the league. With a solid bench and a decent amount of depth, they will be a playoff team yet again.
Power Ranking: 13
Conference Ranking: 7
Projected Win Total: 44-46

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have a vigorous nucleus with Fred Vanvleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. Last season, Anunoby had a breakout season, averaging 15.9 points per game, along with 5.5 rebounds per game. Nevertheless, the team dealt former all-star Kyle Lowry in the offseason. They did acquire Precious Achiuwa who has a ton of potential and veteran Goran Dragic. However, the team doesn’t have the depth to make an impact. Siakam and Vanvleet can lead this team into playoff contention, but the Raptors will be on the outside looking in.
Power Ranking: 24
Conference Ranking: 13
Projected Win Total: 33-35

Washington Wizards

The Wizards will be sneaky good this year. The Wizards have all-star Bradley Beal returning, who averaged an astounding 31.3 points per game last season. The team traded Russell Westbrook but received Kyle Kuzma, Joel Ayayi and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This deal addressed their need for depth. In addition, Kuzma desperately needed a change of scenery and there is a strong chance that with more minutes, he will have a solid season. The team also signed gritty center Montrezl Harrell and Spencer Dinwiddie. The team has a star in Bradley Beal and also has four solid starters surrounding him. With Rui Hachimura and Davis Bertans returning, the team has depth too. They could sneak into the playoffs this year.
Power Ranking: 23
Conference Ranking: 12
Projected Win Total: 37-39

Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks

Last year, the Mavericks had a firm place as the fifth-best team in the West. This year, they didn’t add too much in the offseason. Nonetheless, they still have perennial all-star Luka Doncic, who averaged 27.7 points per game, 8.6 assists per game and 8 rebounds per game. They also have Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. who had productive seasons last year. The team also has a ton of depth and options off the bench. They round out their starters with Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell. This team has enough to make the playoffs again. In fact, if Porzingis can stay healthy, they can make a run in the playoffs.
Power Ranking: 9
Conference Ranking: 5
Projected Win Total: 45-47

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets had an outstanding season last year, winning 47 games and finishing third in the west. Denver was led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. The Serbian All-Star averaged 26.4 points per game, along with 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists. They also have Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon at the forward positions. Porter Jr. had a career year last year and Gordon is an experienced power forward. Although they lost Paul Millsap in the offseason, they went out and signed veteran Jeff Green. With Monte Morris and Will Barton, the team will be a playoff team. The only thing that is concerning is the Jamal Murray injury. Murray suffered an ACL tear and has no timetable for his return. When he is fully healthy, the team is a top five team, but without him, they are more of a borderline playoff team.
Power Ranking: 14
Conference Ranking: 7
Projected Win Total: 42-44

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors lost a heartbreaking play-in game last season, preventing them from the playoffs. In 2021-22, the Warriors have former MVP and last year’s scoring leader Stephen Curry returning this year. The Davidson alum and 2020-21 all-star averaged 32 points per game last season and will lead the charge this year. The team also has Draymond Green and Andrew Wigging returning this year. The team is also awaiting the return of 5-time all-star Klay Thompson. The Washington State alum finally returns after injury. When he returns, the Warriors will be a legitimate threat in the Western Conference. The team also signed Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala who is coming back for his second stint with the team. With young players like James Wiseman and Jordan Poole, the team will be a playoff team.
Power Ranking: 4
Conference Ranking: 3
Projected Win Total: 50-52

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are building their team, but they are still a few years away from being a playoff team. Houston has John Wall and Christian Wood returning, but they are not a serious threat. They don’t have enough firepower or star power. However, Eric Gordon and Kevin Porter Jr. are talented scorers. The team has a young nucleus that has endless potential. Jae’sean Tate and the number two overall pick Jalen Green will be in the league for a while and are both highly touted players. Last season, Tate had a surprising year, averaging 11.3 points per game as a rookie. With the addition of Josh Christopher from the draft and the signing of Daniel Theis, their record will be respectable. Nevertheless, the team will be nowhere near the playoff picture.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers will be a playoff team this year. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are just too much to handle for most teams. The team also has Serge Ibaka, Marcus Morris Sr., and Luke Kennard all returning this year. The team also signed Eric Bledsoe who is now in his second stint with the team. The team also has Reggie Jackson and Ivica Zubac. Both players give them solid scoring options that will suffice in the case of load management games. As long as the team remains healthy, they could have a deep run in the playoffs.
Power Ranking: 11
Conference Ranking: 6
Projected Win Total: 44-46

Los Angeles Lakers

If the Lakers don’t make the NBA Finals, this season would be a failure. The team has Anthony Davis and LeBron James returning. Both players were all-stars last season and collectively averaged 47.5 points per game last season. Los Angeles also traded for former MVP, Russell Westbrook. The team also signed Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony. Both veteran players add experience to the lineup. The team also signed Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn to mix in some newer faces. With the team adding Deandre Jordan, Kent Bazemore, and many other accomplished players, the team has a very skilled bench. There is no way they don’t make the playoffs. Nonetheless, they still have to play the season, and they have a target on their head. They have a high chance of making a deep journey in the playoffs, but nothing is guaranteed and it will be up to the team if they can coexist.
Power Ranking: 3
Conference Ranking: 2
Projected Win Total: 52-54

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies will be a fringe playoff team this year. The team has Ja Morant back this year. Morant averaged 19.1 points per game, along with 7.4 assists per game and is due to have an all-star season. The team also has a solid frontcourt with Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr. Brandon Clarke is also another player the team has that is a pure scorer and rebounder. The team also has three solid two-way players and wing scorers in Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane and Kyle Anderson. They still have a young nucleus, but they will certainly be a play-in team or higher this season. They are still a year or two away from being a team like the 2020-21 Phoenix Suns, where they made a shocking run into the NBA Finals.
Power Ranking: 17
Conference Ranking: 8
Projected Win Total: 41-43

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves struggled last season. However, now that they are fully healthy they can only be bad for so long. The team has D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns this year, who are both 2015 NBA draft picks. Russell is a former all-star and averaged 19 points per game last year and Towns is a former 2-time all-star who averaged 24.8 points per game, along with 10.6 rebounds per game. With skilled scorers in Malik Beasley and Anthony Edwards, teams will have trouble containing their offense. Minnesota also has young pieces with Jaden Mcdaniels, Naz Reid, and Jarred Vanderbilt. With the additions of Patrick Beverley and Taurean Prince, the team adds a ton of grit. Although they are vastly improved, they will still struggle to make the playoffs. However, they do have a shot to make the play-in game.
Power Ranking: 21
Conference Ranking: 11
Projected Win Total: 37-39

New Orleans Pelicans

With the departures of Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe, the Pelican are in a whole. In a response to the leaving players, the team went out and signed former Charlotte Hornet Devonte Graham. They also have Brandon Ingram coming back for his third season with the team. In his first season with New Orleans, he averaged 23.8 points per game and won the most improved player of the year. Last season, he averaged 23.8 points per game yet again. The team also signed Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas. The veteran big man had a career year for Memphis last year. Leading New Orleans will be the highly touted Zion Williamson. The 2019-20 rookie of the year averaged monster numbers, scoring 27 points per game, along with 7.2 rebounds per game. Despite the star power with Ingram and Williamson and a solid scoring option with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the team lacks depth. The Pelicans don’t have enough to make the playoffs. They will be competitive, but they need more talent.
Power Ranking: 28
Conference Ranking: 14
Projected Win Total: 26-28

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City is in full rebuild mode. The team only has two players who have had over three years of experience playing in the NBA. However, they do have some potential stars in certain players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Kentucky alum had a breakout season, tallying 23.7 points per game. The team also has first-round draft pick Josh Giddey and third-year player Darius Bazley. The team’s only veterans are Derrick Favors and Mike Muscala. The team also has a quality wing scorer in Luguentz Dort. Other than Isaiah Roby and a few other young guns, the team doesn’t have enough to compete in the Western Conference.
Power Ranking: 29
Conference Ranking: 15
Projected Win Total: 22-24

Phoenix Suns

The Suns had a historic year last season, making it to the NBA finals. Phoenix had an immense amount of depth, along with a ton of star power. Last season, they were led collectively by Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Chris Paul. Combine that with well-rounded players like Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges, and the Suns have a balanced team. The Suns have most of their team returning and added Mikal Bridges and Elfrid Payton in the offseason. With an eclectic bench and a variety of star players, the Suns will be a top-five team in the West this year. Expect them to be a legitimate contender for the NBA Championship.
Power Ranking: 5
Conference Ranking: 4
Projected Win Total: 47-49

Portland Trail Blazers

With Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, they are always in playoff contention. This Blazer backcourt has been terrorizing defenses for over seven years and they look to continue their offensive barrage this year. Nevertheless, does the team have enough to be a top NBA team that can compete for the NBA championship? Honestly, the team lacks depth. The team has a distinguished center in Jusuf Nurkic and an eminent veteran forward with Robert Covington. They also have UCLA alum, Norman Powell. The team has a solid core, but they don’t have enough depth. They will be a playoff team, and they will definitely be in the playoffs. They just won’t be at the top of the standings this year.
Power Ranking: 18
Conference Ranking: 9
Projected Win Total: 40-42

Sacramento Kings

The Kings aren’t too shabby this year. With De’aaron Fox leading the team, the Kings are bound to improve. Fox had a career year, averaging 25.2 points per game, along with 7.2 assists per game. The team also has exceptional frontcourt talent with Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley III. They also have newly acquired Alex Len and Tristan Thompson. The team also has terrific two-way players in Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes. Both are due to have career years. Tyrese Haliburton also returns after almost winning rookie of the year. He is poised to have a breakout season. Overall, the Kings will improve. Nonetheless, the best they can do is to make the play-in game. They do have a shot at the playoffs though.
Power Ranking: 20
Conference Ranking: 10
Projected Win Total: 40-42

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are rebuilding after years of success. This year, the team is led by Dejounte Murray, who averaged 15.7 points, along with 7.1 rebounds. The fifth-year point guard looks to make an impact once again. However, the team just doesn’t have enough to compete in the West. Keldon Johnson had a tremendous second year and both Derrick White and Jakob Poeltl return. Nevertheless, the team is extremely young and inexperienced. Both Lonnie Walker IV and Bryn Forbes, who is in his second tenure with the team, are decent players, but they don’t have enough to make the playoffs.
Power Ranking: 25
Conference Ranking: 12
Projected Win Total: 34-36

Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz had the best record in the Western Conference, going 52-20 last season. This year, they have the potential to be a top team once again. The team has the duo of perennial all-star guard Donovan Mitchell and 3-time defensive player of the year and center Rudy Gobert returning this year. The Jazz also has tremendous wing shooters in Joe Ingles and Bojan Bogdanovic. Both players shot at around 40% from three last season. The team also added Rudy Gay and Hassan Whiteside. Gay is a decent scoring option and Whiteside is a Tenacious rebounder. Royce O’Neale and Mike Conley also will be crucial in the Jazz lineup. Conley made his first all-star game last season. Off the bench, the team has the 2020-21sixth man of the year, Jordan Clarkson, heating up off the bench. The Jazz will yet again be a top team in the West.
Power Ranking: 2
Conference Ranking: 1
Projected Win Total: 53-55

Attributions:
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