New NBA power rankings: Is the East better than the West?
New NBA power rankings: Is the East better than the West?
If everything goes right, they could win the East
- Brooklyn Nets
- Atlanta Hawks
- Toronto Raptors
- Chicago Bulls
- Indiana Pacers
If everything goes right, they could win the West
- Sacramento Kings
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New Orleans Pelicans
- OKC Thunder
- Dallas Mavericks
It’s hard to look at any of these teams as serious contenders next season, but they all have talent, and if absolutely everything went right, who knows, they could compete for their conference.
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But these Eastern teams are mediocre at best, while there are teams in this Western group that could realistically make some noise.
The Kings were the 3rd seed last season and will be running it back with more confidence. The Pelicans were leading the West last season before being decimated by injuries. It’s a huge “IF”, but if Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are healthy all season, they could win the West.
The Mavs have perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic with a full season of Kyrie Irving, so who knows how that will turn out.
The West is clearly deeper with teams that could actually win their conference, as the Eastern teams listed here have no realistic chance.
Edge: Western Conference