NBA: Power ranking top 10 teams heading into opening night

(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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NBA opening night power rankings are here. 

The 2023-24 NBA season is about to kick off, and fans are buzzing with excitement to see how their favorite teams will fare. With several major roster changes during the offseason, it’s difficult to predict exactly how things will shake out.

However, we can still make some educated guesses based on the talent and potential of each team, providing insights into where they stand among their competitors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it!

Ranking the top 10 teams in the NBA heading into opening night

10. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks finished last season strong, going 17-8 after acquiring Josh Hart. This season, they added Donte DiVincenzo to their roster, further strengthening their lineup. The success of the Knicks relies heavily on Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, who spearhead the team’s offense. However, the potential emergence of RJ Barrett remains a key factor. The Knicks’ offense may experience a dip from last season, and improving their defense remains a challenge. Nonetheless, the team has a strong core and could surprise many in the Eastern Conference.

9. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers face uncertainty with James Harden’s absence from the team. Despite Harden’s initial presence at training camp, he has since missed practice for “personal reasons.” With no viable trade offers on the horizon, it appears that the 76ers will have to rely on Tyrese Maxey to handle the backcourt duties.

Reigning MVP Joel Embiid has expressed his desire to help Maxey flourish. The Maxey-Embiid pairing last season proved to be efficient in limited minutes, offering some hope for the team’s success.