It’s about star power: Nets, Bucks appear to be teams to beat

A look at the Eastern Conference, in predicted order of finish:

Playoff bound

1. Brooklyn: With former MVPs and scoring champions Kevin Durant and James Harden healthy, the Nets might not even need a Big Three.

2. Milwaukee: If Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates like he did in the NBA Finals, a third MVP award in four years is possible.

3. Miami: Heat couldn’t find their top form after reaching the NBA Finals in the bubble in 2020, but got both more rest and more talent during this longer offseason.

4. Philadelphia: Could be anywhere from 1 with Ben Simmons to 8 without him, so put the 76ers in the middle for now.

5. Atlanta: Trae Young and the improving Hawks are a team on the rise after reaching the East finals.

6. New York: Added good scoring punch to what was a top defensive team in Tom Thibodeau’s first season.

Into the play-in

7. Boston: Getting Al Horford back in green should pay dividends for the Celtics. 8. Chicago: Count on Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball providing plenty of highlights.

9. Indiana: Getting Rick Carlisle into a locker room that had friction between players and head coach last season is a major move.

10. Charlotte: Were tough for anyone last season when Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward were both healthy.

Facing long odds

11. Toronto: Being home again should make Raptors a playoff contender again, even without Kyle Lowry (now with Miami).

12. Washington: Lost a great player in Russell Westbrook but could be a better team with newcomers such as Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyle Kuzma.

13. Cleveland: Collin Sexton and Darius Garland will shoot them to some wins, just not quite enough.

14. Detroit: No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham takes his place on a team that has some good young players.

15. Orlando: Magic traded their best players last season and might be years from contending again.