8. Dallas Mavericks
Barring any major injuries, the first seven teams on this list are all but locks to make the playoffs. That leaves one spot for the remaining teams to compete for.
While there will most likely be four teams competing for the 8-seed, I’m picking the Mavericks, solely off the belief that Luka and Porzingis are just going to be too good to not make it in.
There is the obvious concern that KP will need some time to get back in game shape and to wear off the rust but looking at him in the preseason, he looks like he hasn’t missed much time at all.
I know it’s just the preseason but if he and Doncic can play at an all-star level (I think that’s a given for Luka), I think the Mavs have enough to edge out the competition.
Remember, they still have Rick Carlisle as their head coach as well as players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Delon Wright, Dwight Powell, and Jalen Brunson to name a few.
I think starting the season well is vital for their chances so I may have to change this pick quite soon into the season but I’m sticking with it for now!