Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
1. Chicago Bulls
Christina: Although their preseason defense has been disappointing, Joakim Noah seems to have a bounce back in his step, Pau Gasol looked great playing for Spain this summer, Jimmy Butler put in more work this off-season, and Derrick Rose worked out with Russell Westbrook during his down time.
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With the likes of Taj Gibson, Nikola Mirotic, Aaron Brooks, ETwaun Moore, Doug McDermott, Tony Snell, and Bobby Portis, the Chicago Bulls have one of the deepest benches, if not the deepest bench in the NBA. Expect Fred Hoiberg to utilize that depth wisely. If the Bulls aren’t plagued by injuries this season, expect the Bulls to reach the top spot in the East.
Michael: (Cleveland Cavaliers) As previously mentioned, I expect the Cleveland Cavaliers to do some real special things this season. I project them to win 60-plus games during the regular season and, depending on how the bracket pans out in the playoffs, run through the Eastern Conference with little-to-no resistance.