Playoff likelies: The East
In the Eastern Conference, the Raptors still possess the best bench in the league. That, and an upbeat offensive system under new coach Nick Nurse, will be enough no matter what the mysterious Kawhi Leonard provides. The Pacers added reserve shooting in Doug McDermott and talent in Tyreke Evans. Victor Oladipo is poised to prove those who still doubt him wrong. This team is deep and physical. The Bucks let Jabari Parker walk but added shooting in Ersan Ilyasova and rookie Donte DiVincenzo. But their biggest move was adding the creative offensive mind of Mike Budenholzer, who as coach will be calling MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s number often. The Wizards still employ the dynamic backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal. But adding Austin Rivers, Jeff Green and Dwight Howard to an already bloated payroll leaves this team in the middle of the pack. The Heat re-signed Wayne Ellington, Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem. No wonder the ever-restless Pat Riley is stalking a Jimmy Butler trade. This is a playoff team without a bonafide star. The Pistons get a full season of Blake Griffin with a healthy Reggie Jackson and added reigning Coach of the Year Dwane Casey. Andre Drummond is still a force. But Griffin’s stated goal of home-court advantage seems a stretch.
Playoff possibles
Some see the Cavaliers going off the rails following
LeBron James’ departure. But with Kevin Love back in his Timberwolves’ double-double role and a fearless rookie in Collin Sexton, they could challenge for a low-seed playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But they could sell off some high-priced veterans at the trade deadline. The Hornets changed coaches from Steve Clifford to James Borrego but lack bonafide talent beyond Kemba Walker. Despite possessing plenty of talent even if they trade Jimmy Butler, look for the Timberwolves to take a step backward. There’s too much drama and too little defense. Despite adding Marco Belinelli as a nice pickup and the trio of DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol, the Spurs’ streak of 21 straight playoff appearances could end. Losing franchise mainstays Manu Ginobili to retirement and Tony Parker to free agency is one thing. Being decimated by injuries to budding young star Dejounte Murray, promising rookie Lonnie Walker IV and guard Derrick White is another. The Clippers will look to Marcin Gortat and Montrezl Harrell to help fill the void by DeAndre Jordan’s departure. Patrick Beverley is healthy, Lou Williams is a sixth-man supreme and Tobias Harris remains an underrated two-way force.