Can the Detroit Pistons get home-court advantage in the playoffs?

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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 1: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks is seen against the Washington Wizards during pre-season game on October 1, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tier 3

Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks

This is the tier of teams that are in the midst of their rebuilds, and have little hope of cracking the playoff picture.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the team closest to being in Tier 2. They seem to be caught in the middle of “winning now” and a rebuild, by hanging on to Kevin Love while grooming rookie Colin Sexton to be their next lead guard.

The Bulls are still rebuilding but could surprise epople this year, thanks to a big free-agent addition in Jabari Parker and getting healthy Zach Lavine back in the lineup.

The Knicks will be in for another slow start, as Kristaps Porzingis continues to recover from his torn ACL. But at least rookie Kevin Knox has shown some promise early on.

The Brooklyn Nets are finally free from their draft debts to the Celtics. However, there still isn’t enough talent on this roster to compete.

In Orlando, the Magic are still without a solid point guard. Their hoarding of big men doesn’t help either.

The Atlanta Hawks should be the worst team in the league this year, having fully embraced a youth movement. Trae Young will at least be exciting to watch in his first NBA Season.

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