NBA power rankings: Warriors and Celtics set to star in one of the closest seasons ever seen

IT’S going to take something special to knock the Warriors off the top of the NBA pile this season but maybe, just maybe, the Raptors, Rockets, 76ers and Thunder have the talent.

Will a change of scenery benefit Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors? Picture: AP.

IT’S going to take something special to knock the Warriors off the top of the NBA pile this season but maybe, just maybe, the Raptors and Rockets have the talent.

Here are Matt Logue’s Power Rankings.

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EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Boston Celtics

The Celtics are loaded with talent and have plenty of depth, and arguably the NBA’s best coach in Brad Stevens. If returning stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward can gel with young guns Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, watch out.

2. Toronto Raptors

The perennial post-season strugglers will be desperate to defy their doubters. The signing of superstar small forward Kawhi Leonard from San Antonio is significant and can help the Raptors go deep into the finals.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Led by Aussie Ben Simmons and star big man Joel Embiid, the Sixers are primed for a strong season. Coach Brett Brown’s men possess the talent and strike to push the Celtics and Raptors.

4. Washington Wizards

Any team with a backcourt duo of Bradley Beal and John Wall deserves respect. The Wizards finished a disappointing eighth last season and they’ll be keen to make amends.

Will the Bucks ride Giannis Antetokounmpo’s talent all the way to the playoffs?

5. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have a new arena, training venue and coaching staff but they’ll have to handle the high expectations. Expect Antetokounmpo Giannis – the “Greek Freak” — to star again but will his talents be enough?

6. Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James has left but don’t rule out the Cavs. The likes of Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and JR Smith will all play with a chip on their shoulders as they look to prove they’re no spent force without “The King”.

7. Charlotte Hornets

My surprise packets. The recruitment of veteran San Antonio guard Tony Parker is huge for the rebuilding Hornets. Parker will pass on his proven skills and knowledge and I think Charlotte can squeeze into the playoffs.

8. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season but I’m tipping them to return this year. The likes of Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin will give Detroit an edge.

DeMarcus Cousins gives the Warriors another potent outlet.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Golden State Warriors

Add in All-Star centre DeMarcus Cousins to an already formidable roster and the Warriors will be extremely difficult to beat. I’m tipping them to replicate the Chicago Bulls of the mid-90s and claim three consecutive championships.

2. Houston Rockets

A healthy star guard Chris Paul and the signing of All-Star small forward Carmelo Anthony puts the Rockets in a strong position. Throw in reigning MVP James Harden and this is Houston’s chance to end the Warriors’ reign.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

I’m tipping a huge season from star Thunder guard Russell Westbrook. OKC lacked spark last season but they have the roster to regain their mojo.

4. Portland Trailblazers

Gun point guard Damian Lillard will ensure the Trailblazers push the top teams. Portland finished third in the west last season (before crashing out in the first round of the playoffs to New Orleans) but I don’t think they’ll be as good this season.

Donovan Mitchell is coming off a great season for the Jazz.

5. Utah Jazz

Skilful and loaded with talent, I’m expecting a big season from the Jazz. Last year’s Rookie of the Year candidate Donovan Mitchell is a class act while French big man Rudy Gobert and Aussie duo Joe Ingles and Dante Exum will ensure Utah are a major threat.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

You can’t question the Timberwolves’ talent but do they possess the consistency to be a serious contender?

7. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers haven’t made the playoffs since 2013 but the arrival of the world’s best player in LeBron James gives them every chance of ending their post-season drought.

8. New Orleans Pelicans

I can’t see them pushing deep but I can’t rule out any side containing five-time All-Star power forward Anthony Davis.

Originally published as NBA power rankings: Warriors and Celtics set to star in one of the closest seasons ever seen