3. Indiana Pacers (2018-2019 record: 48-34)
Initially the Indiana Pacers were fourth on the list, but after reviewing their offseason, they have the slight edge on Boston. With Victor Oladipo out until December at least, the Pacers still have a good enough team to contend for a top spot.
With the acquisitions of T.J. Warren, Malcolm Brogdon and Jeremy Lamb, the team’s shooting improved remarkably. The Pacers also have the very underrated Myles Turner, who led the team in blocks last season while also shooting the 3 over league average — and he’s still only 23 years old. They also have Domantas Sabonis who had a very efficient season playing backup center to Turner. The Pacers’ talent is spread out and it looks like this is a team that will fly under people’s radar. I have them taking the third seed and surprising many this regular season.
2. Philadelphia Sixers (2018-2019 record: 51-31)
There is a good chance you skipped all of the above just to see where the Sixers rank, and I don’t blame you. The reason the Sixers are second and not first is mostly because this team is not familiar with each other yet. Meanwhile, the Bucks have already played 82 games together and are running the same core.
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The Sixers lost J.J. Redick, whose shooting was relied on, and Jimmy Butler, who spent time at backup point guard. Those are two big holes to fill, and that is not solved overnight. I do expect Tobias Harris to be the main shooter now, with a lot more plays being run through him. The addition of Josh Richardson in place of Butler is interesting. Richardson is sort of like a poor man’s Jimmy Butler, but I still believe Richardson can be on the same level as Butler in time. He’s a better shooter and right now his defense is better than Butler’s.
Al Horford’s fit will be one that is even more interesting. A good stretch four, who can also back up Embiid at the five when needed. He also has tremendous leadership skills, which cannot be overlooked. Seeing how the starting five plays out will be a fun and frustrating experience. It is not expected for the Sixers to be a powerhouse team right off the bat, but once their chemistry clicks and they find something that works the fun begins.
If Joel Embiid can stay healthy and Ben Simmons can expand his game in the shooting department — at least by playoff time — that will eliminate two problems the Sixers had last year. Brand has also built a solid bench, so the starters can take more games off and be better prepared for the playoffs. The Sixers are a case where the team will start slow, but finish strong, and that’s why they are at No. 2.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (2018-2019 record: 60-22)
The Milwaukee Bucks will be running it back once again. After their first 60 win season since 1981, the Bucks are looking to make more of an impact in the playoffs than regular season this time. Although I don’t believe this team got better with the loss of Malcom Brogdon. This team showed it can be the No. 1 seed in the NBA, and I don’t see why it can’t be done again, especially with Mike Budenholzer, who is notorious for having great regular seasons.
They have the League’s MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and we shouldn’t be surprised if he wins another one this upcoming season. There is not much else to say on the Bucks. Apart from replacing Brogdon with Wesley Matthews, which is a downgrade, this team is almost identical. That is why they are taking the first and final seed again this season.