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The Blazers have been ravaged by injuries and, quite frankly, should probably be a few spots lower on this list. The immensity of Damian Lillard‘s talent keeps them here. The Carmelo Anthony experiment will hold intrigue, if nothing else.
OKC has a solid group. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a rising star. Chris Paul is still a star, albeit an aging one. Danilo Gallinari is an efficient three-level scorer. Steven Adams is a hulking anchor in the paint. The Thunder have enough to contend for a playoff spot.
The Kings have gone on a win streak, including a win over the streaking Celtics, after a dreadful start to the season. It’s time to worry about Luke Walton as a head coach, but for now, Sacramento has enough pizzazz to create buzz.