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SportsTips Preseason Thoughts On Every NBA Team

The new NBA season is almost upon us, and we just can't wait! Before the season starts have a look at our thoughts on how the each team will perform this season.

SportsTips Preseason Thoughts On Every NBA Team
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Fri 15th October 2021

Only a couple more sleeps and then it’s the best time of the year. No we aren’t talking about Christmas – it’s opening night of the new NBA season! Who will rise up to the challenge of the new season? Can some of the teams overcome injuries and the like to progress to the playoff? And, most importantly, will the Bucks be able to win back-to-back?

These and many more questions will be answered throughout the course of the season. So, sit back, relax and be entertained each and every day throughout this 2021-2022 season! There is so much to love and get excited about for this new season.

Here at SportsTips, we will have daily NBA picks, so make sure that you check out our NBA picks page for all the latest each and every day.

Atlantic Division

The Atlantic Division holds some very competitive teams, like the Nets, who will be hopeful that their roster can stay healthy for the entire season. Have a read below at our thoughts on each team in the Atlantic Division:

Boston Celtics

I think the Boston Celtics are a dark horse for the East. The lack of blockbuster trades after a disappointing season by the Celtic’s standards have caused many to overlook the team whose young emerging superstars finally have some promising support. The team’s ceiling is purely determined by the two young stars in Tatum and Brown, and in this case, I do believe in the pair to take another leap, which will help them reach as far as the Eastern Conference Finals, but it’s not likely they’ll go any further.

Brooklyn Nets

This Nets team is phenomenal and I am still in awe of how they constructed this roster. If the Nets can stay healthy and available through the regular season AND playoffs, they are a lock for the NBA Finals. They were an inch away from likely making the finals last year with a hobbled Harden and no Kyrie so if the stars even semi-align and 2 of the 3 are available and fully healthy, the Nets will be the favourite to win the NBA Championship. The regular season may be another question as the 3 stars may rest to stay healthy for the playoffs, meaning they might not finish first in the East and may lose easy games during the season. But come playoff time expect a locked-in unit capable of beating anyone.

New York Knicks

The Knicks are an interesting case. I could very easily see them finishing top 4 in the East, but then again a lot of the East got much better. They’re definitely not on the same tier as the Bucks or Nets, so the question is, are they as good as the next echelon of teams – Heat, 76ers, Celtics, Bulls. My answer, yes. I see the Knicks making the playoffs and potentially making some noise but probably not making it past the 2nd round if all teams remain somewhat healthy.

Philadelphia 76ers

Although Embiid is a monster in the paint and has carried the 76ers on his back, the 76ers season depends heavily on Ben Simmons. Simmons’ poor shooting is a key reason why the team’s other All-Defensive Team player Matisse Thybulle couldn’t get playing time. If Simmons can become a serviceable shooter, and play with the same level of aggressiveness as Giannis, the 76ers can beat anyone. A starting lineup of Simmons, Thybulle, Green, Harris and Embiid could stop any offense. This 76ers team has a lot of work to do before the playoffs start mending fences and forcing Simmons to shoot the ball. If the team can all get on the same page, this team is very much capable of beating anyone, the only thing holding them back right now is Ben Simmons.

Toronto Raptors

There’s no denying that the Raptors saying goodbye to Lowry will see some negative impacts, but the front office made a decision to go all-in on their youth whilst keeping Siakam and Vanvleet who may prove to be solid veterans. The talent on the roster is there and paired with the genius head coach Nick Nurse, expect the Raptors to beat their expectations and maybe even be mentioned back in the playoff race. Though, the only way the Raptors make any real noise is if guys like Siakam, Barnes, or Vanvleet take a massive leap. I believe the Raptors will finish in the play-in tournament but likely won’t make any noise in the playoffs if they end up making it.

Central Division

The Central Division holds the Bucks, who are the reigning champs. Will the Bucks be strong enough again this year to make it through to the Finals again? And most importantly, can Giannis raise his game to yet another level? Have a read below at our thoughts on each team in the Central Division:

Chicago Bulls

To me, the Bulls are the team with the largest variance when it comes to how far they will go. Their floor is missing the playoffs if their team doesn’t gel seeing as there are many new faces, though this seems highly unlikely after watching them obliterate teams in the preseason. The ceiling of the team is the Eastern Conference Finals. The front office has built one of the deepest teams and most fun-to-watch offenses but their success will depend on their defense.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs are not going to be good this season. They will definitely surprise people as they do have some good pieces but the defensive limitations of an out of position Okoro, undersized Garland and horrible defender Sexton, will make life hard for the Cavs. Therefore the team needs to show flashes on offense between the 3 starters. Unless Sexton, Okoro, Garland, Mobley or Lauri Markkanen show some level of promise offensively, the Cavs may be at the bottom of the league and regress. If all of these players can somehow step up to the plate and play more efficiently, the Cavs may have a chance to sneak into the play-in as a 10th seed. This is unlikely and I think we will see the Cavs with a top 5 pick once again in the next NBA Draft.

Detroit Pistons

I do see this season for the Pistons as another write-off in terms of making the playoffs. The front office deserves some credit in building a solid young core but their lack of priority when it comes to bringing in a savvy or experienced veteran concerns me. A veteran presence not only brings some winning mentality for the team but it’s also what could be exactly what Cunningham, Bey, and Hayes need to develop; look at guys like Jayson Tatum (with Al Horford and Kyrie Irving) or Luka Doncic (with Dirk Novitski). Overall, the Pistons are betting on young, raw talent and it’s a method that has seen great success (like the Cavs with Lebron or the Mavericks with Doncic) but also has been the downfall of many teams. For the next season I see the Pistons missing the playoffs and at most, barely making the play-in tournament.

Indiana Pacers

Despite minimal offseason moves, the Pacers are definitely coming into the 2021-22 season slightly underrated. However, the frontcourt of Turner and Sabonis has shown to be better without one another. Last season, both Turner and Sabonis’ numbers and efficiency were better when playing without their counterpart. However, if anyone were to make it work, it would be Rick Carlisle. In my opinion, the Pacers will fall between the 6th-9th seed and should at least participate in the play-in games. Although, their current team is unlikely to break through the 1st round of the playoffs unless Warren, Sabonis, or Levert can take a big leap.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are defending champions for a reason. With the best defensive starting 5 in the league and a strong but inconsistent offense, the Bucks still have room to get better despite winning the championship last year. There are certainly questions regarding the age of some of their players, but with a youthful rotation of 3 and D players around Giannis, the Bucks should be set for yet another run at the Finals. I think that the Bucks will be better than last season as they customize their roster for Giannis but with other teams getting significantly better, that may not be enough to win the finals again. The Bucks should have a big year but the pressure lies on Giannis to continue to elevate them.

Southeast Division

Some interesting teams to watch this year in the Southeast Division. There’s a mix of teams that should make the playoffs, teams that probably won’t make the playoffs and some that will be on the cusp. Have a read below at our thoughts on each team in the Southeast Division:

Atlanta Hawks

I think the Hawks will be contenders this season. They showed their potential last year and I think they will continue to play high level basketball. Now, I’m not sure if they will make the finals due to the crazy teams atop the Eastern Conference, but I think they are a lock for the playoffs. Due to injuries and adjustment to the rules, I do think the Hawks may struggle early in the season, but look for this team to go on a good run during the middle and end of the season which may potentially take them to the NBA Finals if this young team can continue to develop.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets definitely look promising and they definitely have the talent to make the play-in tournament. However their success will depend on Lamelo Ball’s development as the primarily playmaker, Hayward’s health and Miles Bridges form coming into this new season. If all 3 of those things can happen, I would not be surprised if the Hornets secured the 6th seed and avoided the play-in tournament entirely behind their fast and fun style of play. However, if Hayward can’t stay healthy, Bridges can’t fill the void and Melo has growing pains, the Hornets could find themselves out of the play-in tournament as an 11th seed. The Hornets may have a rollercoaster season where anything could happen.

Miami Heat

The Heat are dependent primarily on their top 5 to produce but since the skill level is so high between these guys (Butler, Adebayo, Lowry, Herro, and Robinson), they can afford one or two of them slightly underperforming. In fact, of these 5, it’s actually expected that some or even all of their numbers take a slight dip as they must take an unselfish mindset for the team’s success. However, this doesn’t mean that the pressure isn’t on for the Butler-led Heat who are still yet to define their clear-cut number one option. Not to mention, the effect of some integral players’ departures is still to be determined. Nevertheless, I see the Heat finishing within the mid-to-top of the East, being a dark horse contender with a ceiling of reaching the Finals again, and a floor of making the play-in tournament.

Orlando Magic

The Magic are currently ranked last in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Power Rankings, and this is for good reason. The team made little effort to place themselves into contention and are likely going to win only a handful of games to possibly look at landing another lottery pick and look exclusively at building their future young core. Unless there is an unforeseen breakout season for young guys like Suggs, Isaac, or Anthony, I expect the Orlando Magic to most likely finish towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Washington Wizards

This Wizards team is an interesting one. After making it through the play-in tournament and facing the 76ers in the first round, they decided to let go of their coach and highest usage player. Now they have a roster that is a lot deeper and is arguably better overall to the team the Wizards had last year. The biggest questions going into this season are whether or not Beal can adjust back to being the number 1 option and whether these new pieces can work out where they fit on this roster. I think the Wizards are a lock for the play-in and will surprise people especially during the later parts of the season.

Northwest Division

Which teams in the Northwest Division will be good enough to make it to the playoffs? There are some really exciting teams with fresh faces, so it will be very interesting to watch these teams in action. Have a read below at our thoughts on each team in the Northwest Division:

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are a lock for the playoffs. Their roster is too talented and deep to miss the playoffs. The only question is how deep will this team make it. This will rely on how well the starting 5 can play together in crunch time. The main hurdle for this team is the absence of Jamal Murray which will cause some growing pains when he returns. His absence does give Porter Jr. and Gordon more time as primary scoring options which will be important come playoff time. Overall this team is good and will likely be a top 4 seed once again. The Finals are definitely in the discussion but it all depends on how much their promising young talent can grow around their superstar Nikola Jokic.

Minnesota Timberwolves

This Wolves team is extremely interesting. They are taking another crack to see if their young core work after an injury riddled season. The addition of Chris Finch should make these young offensive weapons even more potent. Combine that with a lessened workload due to the addition of Beverley and Prince, and we may see the Wolves big 3 all average in the mid to high 20 point range. I think the Wolves will be a top 5 offense this season and sneak into the play-in despite average defense.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder has an extremely young and raw roster. The only established threat is SGA, but even he has room to grow. This roster will definitely show flashes this season and may even upset many contenders but they likely aren’t good enough to make a true run at the playoffs. Pokusevski, Giddey and Dort have a lot of room to develop as well as the rest of the Thunder roster. I expect Favours to provide a strong veteran presence for this team but he likely won’t get many minutes especially toward the end of the year. Just based on current skill level I’d be surprised if the Thunder made the play-in tournament. The play-in tournament is definitely a possibility but the focal point of this season will be giving big minutes to its young players.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers are a lock to make the playoffs like they have in many of the previous seasons. However, how far they go into the playoffs depends greatly on their changes defensively. With the addition of Nance next to Covington and the development of Nassir Little, this Blazers team could have a scary perimeter defense. Offensively the team is in great hands and will once again be a top 5 unit. I think the Blazers make a deep run this year and surprise people. I could very well see them in the Conference finals competing for a chance in the NBA Finals.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz does not have the benefit of the doubt after doing well in the regular season before falling in the playoffs for all of the most recent NBA season. The Jazz have definitely made moves to prove people wrong this offseason with additional depth, but without their younger players emerging as stars, and the older players playing their roles successfully, the Jazz might lose in the 2nd round of the playoffs once again. The hope for this Jazz team is for Mitchell to become a superstar and carry the Jazz past regular season success and the 2nd round to make a real run for the title.

Pacific Division

The Pacific Division is full of star-studded players like Curry, Thompson, Leonard, James and Davis, just to name a few. This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league, especially if all the star players can keep healthy. Have a read below at our thoughts on each team in the Pacific Division:

Golden State Warriors

Having the proven core of Curry, Thompson, Green, and Steve Kerr automatically puts the Warriors into contention. Though, a lot of the team’s success is dependent on the version of Klay Thompson we will see and whether or not other players such as Wiggins or Poole can step up to help out Curry. I see the Warriors finishing anywhere from playing in the play-in tournament to finals bound. Ultimately, I do believe that you should never bet against Steph Curry and that the Warriors will reach the 2nd round of the playoffs at the very least.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are a title contender with or without Leonard. The roster is strong offensively and defensively at every position. A starting five of Reggie Jackon, Terance Mann, Paul George, Marcus Morris Sr. and Ivica Zubac is capable of beating anyone without Kawhi. When Kawhi is back, the team will be that much scarier. Combine that with the fact that the Clippers have the best bench in the league with Eric Bledsoe, Luke Kennard, Justise Winslow, Nicolas Batum and Serge Ibaka, the Clippers can beat anyone. The depth of this roster gives them the ability to adjust to any team in the playoffs making them my favourites to win the Western Conference Finals.

Los Angeles Lakers

This Lakers team is going to be the most interesting to watch. Most teams have kept their core together and simply retooled, but this Lakers team is completely different from last year. They have mixed in a new batch of 3 and D players, aging veteran stars and young role players onto a team with 2 of the best players in the league. The Lakers may start slow this season as they adjust to the big roster changes, but they will be a contender this season. They may very well be the best team in the West as they certainly have the talent and experience to beat anyone. If the Lakers can build chemistry and prevent injuries they will be my favourite to win the West and make the NBA Finals.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns surprised many by making the NBA Finals last season but now they are on everyone’s radar. They have a bunch of key pieces who have all proved their ability to perform in crunch time. However, with a lack of any big additions, the Suns will need Booker, Bridges and Ayton to make huge strides to keep the Suns competitive. If the young players on the Suns roster are unable to do so, the Suns may very well fall back down to earth and be eliminated early in the playoffs.

Sacramento Kings

Despite the lack of moves by the Kings, it is pretty hard to be much worse defensively than they were last season. With a bunch of their young players developing and showing good signs in the offseason and preseason, the Kings may be a dark horse for a play-in tournament spot. This will depend heavily not on their offense but the improvements they can make defensively. If the Kings can become decent at defense as a whole, the team may surprise many.

Southwest Division

A few of the teams in the Southwest Division are still in rebuild mode, which can be interesting to watch. If the young players in each of these teams can make their mark, we may see some unusual teams in the playoffs this season. Have a read below at our thoughts on each team in the Southwest Division:

Dallas Mavericks

If the Mavericks want to make any kind of deep playoff push, secondary stars such as Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. must take a step forward and provide Doncic with some support. In my opinion, the Mavericks should have their sights set on a Western Conference Finals appearance. Porzingis is set for an explosive comeback season after the backlash he got for last year’s playoff performance and Doncic is proven in the playoffs (currently averaging the most points per game in NBA history). The Mavericks doubled down on their young duo to carry the team and bought in some solid backup that should easily establish the team within Western playoffs contenders.

Houston Rockets

The expectations aren’t huge for the Rockets after finishing with the league’s worst record. The ascension of Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green may provide the Rockets with a super fun and lethal backcourt which could push them into the playoffs much like how the Thunder and their young backcourt made the playoffs a few years prior. However, the Rockets will most likely find themselves being one of the worst teams in the West as they give big minutes to their young players. Stephen Silas is the right man for the job to develop this core and we could be watching the growth of a core that could control the Western Conference in years to come.

Memphis Grizzlies

There is a lot of hope around the Grizzlies this offseason due to their performance last season and the moves they’ve made this offseason. If their young core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks can all take a step forward, while the additions of Kris Dunn and Steven Adams provide them with support, the Grizzlies may be able to advance into the second round of the playoffs. Even if they don’t repeat their brilliance from the playoffs last season, this roster should continue to develop and become a powerhouse in the coming years. 

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans certainly have a lot of promise and look like they will destroy teams on the inside with Zion and Valanciunas as part of their super strong front court. If coach Green can push this team to make the next step and quickly build chemistry with this new look roster, the Pelicans may be a threat in the play-in tournament. However, with a talent like Zion, the sky’s the limit for the Pelicans. If Zion takes a huge leap, much like Giannis did a few seasons ago, the Pelicans could very much make the playoffs while avoiding the play-in tournament entirely. Zion will also need his teammates to step up, especially defensively where the team had the league’s 23rd defensive rating. The ceiling is relatively high for the Pelicans but it looks like this team may end up being a play-in tournament team. If they can fire on all cylinders toward the end of the season, it could be scary for whoever they face in the playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs

It is hard to be too optimistic on this Spurs team due to their roster. On the flip-side it is hard to be too pessimistic on this team due to the presence of coach Popovich. The roster definitely isn’t in the top 10 in the West talent-wise but good coaching may help make the most of what this team has. They will need their young players to show major promise for this team to end up in the play-in tournament again. The ceiling for this team would be the play-in tournament with their floor being the 2nd worst team in the West behind the Rockets. This might not be a fun season for the Spurs fans.

We simply cannot wait for the new NBA season to start up again. From the very first day, to the final game of the season, we will be covering NBA picks. Make sure you head on over to our NBA picks page when the season starts to get your daily picks!

Mike is a passionate sports fan and a seasoned punter who is always looking deep into the analytics to give you the best pick. Mike has been a co-host on a nationally broadcast sports program and is always up to date on all the major sports news. With a strong focus on analytics and stats, Mike is driven toward providing the best predictions, value bets and picks for the ever-changing sports world.

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