1. Golden State Warriors– The Warriors did not make any moves in the offseason, but they didn’t need any. They are the obvious favorite in the West.
2. San Antonio Spurs– Kawhai, Rudy Gay and Lamarcus Aldridge look like a threat and you can always bet on the Spurs to be a top one or two seed.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder– As previously stated, the Thunder retooled and look to be competitive once again.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves– The addition of Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague to team with the young duo of Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins looks dangerous for the rest of the league.
5. Houston Rockets– The Rockets are a good team, but they are in a loaded conference so this seems like a fitting spot for them.
6. Portland Trailblazers– Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are a dynamic, young backcourt that can trouble for the rest of the conference.
7. Denver Nuggets– With the emergence of Jokic the Nuggets look to be a playoff team.
8. Utah Jazz– Losing Hayward is tough, but Gobert and Co. should be able to weather the storm.
Conference Finals: Golden State over Oklahoma City in 6
Eastern Conference Playoff Prediction: