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2018 NBA Power Rankings: The Warriors win the offseason; Lakers are back

Michael Saenz|
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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3. Boston Celtics

I thought real hard about placing the Boston Celtics in the No. 2 spot of this first power rankings of the 2018-19 NBA season, but decided that I had to respect what the Rockets nearly pulled off last season.

Nevertheless, with the return of Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving from injury this season, the Celtics are going to have every opportunity to put together a special campaign. This team is barely beginning to scratch the surface on its potential.

We still don’t know how good Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can be, and they’re as deep as any other team in the league not named the Warriors. Boston is going to be a load to deal with once the season starts, and will almost certainly be the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals.