The Wizards have come out of the gates strong. The offensive symbiosis between Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis is quite strong. Not to mention Kyle Kuzma, who is primed to build on his strong two-way performance last season. Washington does not have the top-to-bottom firepower to compete in the East, but they’re a definite play-in contender as long as everyone’s healthy.
The Bulls are stuck in the unfortunate middle ground of being far too good to tank and not nearly good enough to genuinely contend. They’re a postseason team for sure, and it’s hard to write off Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan entirely. But with Lonzo Ball’s return nowhere in sight and the general lack of two-way players on the roster, it’s hard to imagine the Bulls making any real noise late in the campaign.
The Heat were forced to recalibrate this offseason following P.J. Tucker’s departure. It’s pretty much the same group otherwise, save for some minor rotational tweaks (Tyler Herro in the starting five, Caleb Martin starting next to Jimmy Butler on the wing), but it does feel like Miami is quickly aging out of contention. This team has made the conference finals two out of the last three years, though, so don’t be shocked if they turn it around and make another run.