NBA Opening Night Power Rankings: Where are the Toronto Raptors?
By Mike Luciano
No. 10-1
10. Memphis Grizzlies
9. Dallas Mavericks
8. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
6. Golden State Warriors
5. Los Angeles Lakers
4. Boston Celtics
3. Phoenix Suns
2. Milwaukee Bucks
1. Denver Nuggets
The Grizzlies need to overcome Ja Morant’s suspension, but they could survive long enough to thrive. Dallas is likely going to have the worst defense in the league, but they will also start every game with 60 points on the board due to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Both Philadelphia and Cleveland have star-laden rosters, but they need to get the postseason monkeys off their back if they are to be taken seriously. Even with Steph Curry and LeBron James’ advanced ages, neither Golden State nor the Lakers can be discounted as a threat.
NBA Power Rankings: The Toronto Raptors are nowhere near the Celtics.
The Celtics made enough moves to remain competitively viable, but will Jaylen Brown’s contract loom over this team? Phoenix went all-in on their superstar trio, but the roster is lacking in depth around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal this season.
Milwaukee is clearly the favorite in the Eastern Conference, as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard might be the best 1-2 punch in the league. Until someone can beat Nikola Jokic and an incredibly deep Nuggets team, they will have the top spot in the league locked down.