NBA Power Rankings: Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls steal the offseason

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New Orleans Pelicans Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The NBA’s playoff hopefuls

21. Indiana Pacers – The Indiana Pacers could end up finishing in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference and I wouldn’t be surprised. There’s just something about this team that lacks firepower. And it dates back to when Victor Oladipo went down with that first quad injury a few years ago.

20. Charlotte Hornets – The Charlotte Hornets became one of the fan-favorite underdogs last season. Even though they ended up missing the playoffs, this will certainly be a team worth following this year.

19. Washington Wizards – I’m not sure if the Washington Wizards took a step forward or back this offseason, but the fact that Bradley Beal hasn’t requested a trade is a huge win in my book. Maybe this is the year they finally take a step forward?

18. New Orleans Pelicans – I have no idea what this team’s plan was heading into this offseason, but it’s clear that it failed. The big question is whether a dynamic duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram will be enough in an improved Western Conference?

And now, we get into the thick of the true contenders and teams that will have a say in how the playoffs will form for the 2021-22 season.