2023-24 NBA Preseason Power Rankings

compete in the future.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder

Last season: 22-50

The Thunder embarked on a massive rebuilding project this offseason, trading away key players and acquiring draft picks. With the youngest roster in the league, this season will be all about developing their young talent and evaluating which players can be part of their long-term plans.

28. Detroit Pistons

Last season: 20-52

The Pistons are in the early stages of their own rebuild. With a revamped roster that includes highly-touted rookies Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green, Detroit will be looking to develop their young core and establish a new identity under new head coach Dwane Casey.

27. Orlando Magic

Last season: 21-51

With a roster full of young and unproven players, the Magic will be focusing on player development and building chemistry this season. They have some intriguing talent in Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, but it remains to be seen if they can develop into consistent contributors.

26. Houston Rockets

Last season: 17-55

The Rockets underwent a complete overhaul this offseason, trading away both James Harden and Russell Westbrook. With a new coaching staff and a roster of young players, Houston will be looking to establish a new identity and lay the groundwork for their future.

The Middle Class

These teams find themselves in the middle of the pack, not quite playoff contenders but also not at the bottom of the league.

25. Charlotte Hornets

Last season: 33-39

The Hornets have a promising young core led by LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, but they lack the depth and experience to be serious playoff contenders. They will be looking to build on last season’s success and continue the development of their young players.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers

Last season: 22-50

The Cavaliers have a young roster with some intriguing talent, including Collin Sexton and Evan Mobley. However, they lack the experience and depth to compete with the top teams in the league. This season will be about player development and establishing a winning culture.

23. Sacramento Kings

Last season: 31-41

The Kings have been stuck in mediocrity for years, and this season looks to be no different. While they have some talented players in De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, they lack the depth and consistency to make a playoff push.

22. New Orleans Pelicans

Last season: 31-41

The Pelicans are still trying to find their identity under head coach Willie Green. While they have a talented young core in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, they lack the experience and depth to compete with the top teams in the Western Conference.

21. San Antonio Spurs

Last season: 33-39

The Spurs have a mix of veteran experience and young talent, but they lack a true star player that can carry them to the playoffs. While they will compete on a nightly basis, it’s unlikely that they will be able to make a deep playoff run.

The Contenders

These teams have the talent and depth to make a serious playoff push, but there are still questions surrounding their ability to compete for a championship.

20. Toronto Raptors

Last season: 27-45

The Raptors had a disappointing season last year, but they still have a talented roster led by Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. With a healthy OG Anunoby and the addition of Goran Dragic, Toronto has the potential to surprise teams this season.

19. Indiana Pacers

Last season: 34-38

The Pacers have a solid roster led by Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon, but they lack a true superstar that can take them to the next level. They will be a tough out in the playoffs, but it’s unlikely that they will be able to make a deep run.

18. Memphis Grizzlies

Last season: 38-34

The Grizzlies have a young and talented roster led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. With the addition of Steven Adams and the continued development of their young players, Memphis has the potential to be a dangerous team in the playoffs.

17. Golden State Warriors

Last season: 39-33

The Warriors are hoping for a bounce-back season with the return of Klay Thompson and the addition of Jrue Holiday. If Stephen Curry can stay healthy and the role players can step up, Golden State has the potential to compete for a championship.

16. New York Knicks

Last season: 41-31

The Knicks surprised everyone last season with their playoff run, but they will face heightened expectations this year. With the addition of Damian Lillard, New York has the star power to make a deep playoff run, but they will need the role players to step up.

The Title Contenders

These teams have all the pieces in place to compete for a championship and will be among the favorites come playoff time.

15. Atlanta Hawks

Last season: 41-31

The Hawks made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and will look to build on that success this year. With a young and talented roster led by Trae Young and John Collins, Atlanta has the potential to compete with the best in the league.

14. Boston Celtics

Last season: 36-36

The Celtics made a big splash this offseason with the acquisition of Jrue Holiday. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way, Boston has the star power to compete for a championship. However, they will need to address their depth issues if they want to make a deep playoff run.

13. Dallas Mavericks

Last season: 42-30

The Mavericks have a dynamic duo in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but they still lack the supporting cast to compete with the top teams in the league. If Dallas can add some more depth, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run.

12. Portland Trail Blazers

Last season: 42-30

The Blazers made a big move this offseason, acquiring Damian Lillard from the Bucks. With Lillard and CJ McCollum leading the way, Portland has the star power to compete for a championship. However, they will need to improve their defense if they want to make a deep playoff run.

11. Philadelphia 76ers

Last season: 49-23

The 76ers have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. However, there are still questions surrounding Simmons and his ability to perform in big playoff games. If he can step up, Philadelphia has the potential to compete for a championship.

The Championship Favorites

These teams are the cream of the crop and will be the favorites to compete for a championship.

10. Miami Heat

Last season: 40-32

The Heat made a big splash this offseason, acquiring Damian Lillard from the Blazers. With Lillard, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo leading the way, Miami has the star power to compete for a championship. However, they will need to address their depth issues if they want to make a deep playoff run.

9. Phoenix Suns

Last season: 51-21

The Suns made a surprise run to the NBA Finals last season and will look to build on that success this year. With a talented roster led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, Phoenix has the potential to compete with the best in the league.

8. Milwaukee Bucks

Last season: 46-26

The Bucks are the defending champions and have one of the most dominant players in the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo. With a solid supporting cast that includes Damian Lillard, Milwaukee has the star power and depth to compete for another championship.

7. Los Angeles Clippers

Last season: 47-25

The Clippers have a talented roster led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. With the addition of Damian Lillard, Los Angeles has the star power and depth to compete for a championship. However, they will need to address their injury issues if they want to make a deep playoff run.

6. Brooklyn Nets

Last season: 48-24

The Nets have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. With the addition of Damian Lillard, Brooklyn has the star power to compete for a championship. However, they will need to address their chemistry and health issues if they want to make a deep playoff run.

The Favorites

These teams have the talent, depth, and championship pedigree to be the favorites to win it all.

5. Utah Jazz

Last season: 52-20

The Jazz had the best record in the league last season and will look to build on that success this year. With a talented roster led by Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Utah has the potential to compete with the best in the league.

4. Denver Nuggets

Last season: 47-25

The Nuggets have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. With the addition of Damian Lillard, Denver has the star power to compete for a championship. However, they will need to address their depth and defensive issues if they want to make a deep playoff run.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

Last season: 42-30

The Lakers made a big move this offseason, acquiring Damian Lillard from the Blazers. With Lillard, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis leading the way, Los Angeles has the star power to compete for a championship. However, they will need to address their depth and injury issues if they want to make a deep playoff run.

2. Chicago Bulls

Last season: 37-35

The Bulls made a big splash this offseason, acquiring Damian Lillard from the Blazers. With Lillard, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic leading the way, Chicago has the star power to compete for a championship. However, they will need to address their defensive issues if they want to make a deep playoff run.

1. Golden State Warriors

Last season: 39-33

The Warriors are the favorites to win it all this season. With the return of Klay Thompson and the addition of Jrue Holiday, Golden State has the star power and depth to compete for a championship. If Stephen Curry can stay healthy and the role players can step up, the Warriors have the potential to be a dominant team.

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