Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Christina – Anthony Davis is one of the NBA’s best players and with Alvin Gentry as a new head coach, expect the Pelicans to play more up-tempo. But until management decides to surround AD with a few more players, don’t expect this team to knock anyone out in the first round, but they aren’t bad enough to miss the playoffs.
7. Utah Jazz
Michael – I’m all-in on the Utah Jazz this season. After what they did defensively during the second half of the season last year (finished first by a significant margin in defensive efficiency after the all-star break), I expect big things from the Jazz this season. With another year under Gordon Hayward‘s belt, with the perfect mix of the NBA’s most underrated player in Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, I believe the Jazz will finally make their return to the playoffs this year.
Next: No. 6 Seed