Preseason Power Rankings 2024

[Zach Lowe]

30. Atlanta Hawks - 2024 Prediction: 2-27

The Hawks were awful last year, one of the first teams to go winless in the new 29 game format. I do expect that not to be repeated in 2024 but this roster is far from being competitive on a weekly basis. John Collins role in Utah is still up in the air, but if he can secure the starting spot that's a good trade piece for the Hawks. Kevin Porters issue is his off the court behavior, if he can keep that clean, there is ample opportunity on a retooling Clipper team to take a good fantasy role. Insert annual Robert William injury news. 
I do love the Reed Shepperd pickup, but will he turn into a fantasy outlier for his prototype? That will be the biggest question on this team. 


2023 Prediction: 2-27
2023 Result: 0-29

[Zach Lowe]

29. Charlotte Hornets - Prediction: 2-27

The expectations were low in Charlotte last year, and somehow they managed to underachieve even the lowest of bars. The team is going into this year with some interesting pieces at the top in Kristaps Porzingis (Still hurt) and Jonas Valanciunas. The Front office has to get some quality assets for those 2 big guys to move the team along, but that will likely cost the team some reduction in points, and on a team that does not have much solidified scoring behind those 2 guys, it will be tough for this team to win many games if any at all. This year is all about what TJ can find in trade value for some of his guys, no easy job. 


2023 Prediction: 4-25
2023 Result: 2-27

[Zach Lowe]

28. Los Angles Lakers - Prediction: 2-27

The Lakers still have a ton of questions on the roster, but the team has some scoring available to upset a team here or there. Turning the likes of Sexton, PJ Washington, Kelly Oubre, and Obi into viable long term assets will be the key to rebuilding this team. There is some excitement in Los Angeles about the big draft prize Zaccharie Risacher, although what he will be as a fantasy scorer is still mostly an unknown. Over the last few years, guys like Anthony Black, Ousmane Dieng, Jaden Hardy have left a lot to be desired from a fantasy role, can any of them take the next step this year?  

2023 Prediction: 2-27

2023 Result: 2-27

[Zach Lowe]

27. Washington Wizards - Prediction: 5-24

Another team that somehow fell below their low expectations last year. Tre Jones predictably did not take the step up that Washington FO believed he would, and this year that is trending even lower than last. Guys like Terry, Zubac, Brandon Clarke, and Tj McConnell (possibly) will get this team a upset or 2, and then 3 free wins from the teams lower than Washington on the totem pole. In terms of the future, where does this team turn? Agbaji is a big unknown. Ideally Octo is able to trade away some of those scoring pieces to start stacking assets for an actual rebuild instead of trading away picks to try and get 5 wins on the year. I do like the Ryan Dunn pick, and he's showing out in the preseason, could be one of the big steals from this draft. With the right leadership, this ship can be steered in the right direction. 


2023 Prediction: 8-21
2023 Result: 5-24

[Zach Lowe]

26. Chicago Bulls - Prediction: 7-22


WOW. I far overrated this team last year, even though I had low expectations. The crown jewel remains on the roster, Evan Mobley is a 35 point rock at the top. I expect a ton from Deni this year, and I did love that pickup. The rest of the roster is however really weak. Bradley Beal pickup felt silly, and only looks worse as time has gone on, I expect him to be a cut at some point this year. The boat continues to sail away on the Wendell Carter fantasy stud train, injuries have always played him, but now he isnt even scoring well in fantasy to warrant much of a return. Team is filled with glue guys, and hard workers in the real NBA but for fantasy that is not a winning formula. Maybe its been too long since Charlie Zetteck won meaningful games in fantasy for him to realize that. The eggs must hatch golden with a Cooper Flagg sized prize in the next draft to really give this team some hope. 


2023 Prediction: 9-20
2023 Result: 6-23

[Zach Lowe]

25. Golden State Warriors - Prediction: 8-21


The Warriors decided to take a deep plunge into rebuilding, and while I see that paying off long term, in the short term the results might be bleak for this year. The roster is spearheaded by Ben Simmons, that should allude to where the expect this team to be for 2024. Jalen Green has shown so many flashes of promise as a fantasy asset, will it ever be consistent? There are plenty of pieces worth flipping on this roster, and Caleb is never afraid to make big moves. I am personally a fan of building around a trio of Green, Kuminga, and Keyonte. If even one of Kel'el or Kyle Filipowski pan out, there is a core the FO can be proud of supplementing with plenty of cap room to spare. Safe to say, I'm bullish on the Warriors future. 



2023 Prediction: 14-15
2023 Result: 7-22

[Zach Lowe]

24. Sacramento Kings - Prediction: 8-21


One year in, the project Mr. Bagels took over, is starting to show some signs of growth. The vision has resulted in Alex Sarr and Stephon Castle as the cornerstone for the Kings to build around, now if they can live up to those loft expectations, is yet to be seen but the pedigree is there. Myles Turner is most likely a mid season trade casualty, and I expect Bogdan and Huerter to meet the same fate. Tari Eason is a solid player, but his role is often limited because of the depth of the Rockets roster. The rest of the roster does not bring in much hope, but Steve has shown a knack for making trades and continuing to build on the pile of assets for the future. This team was always seen as one of the longest rebuilds possible, but Steve might have managed to bring that number down to 9 years instead of 10. 


2023 Prediction: 5-24
2023 Result: 9-20

[Zach Lowe]

23. Brooklyn Nets - Prediction: 10-19


Luka might be on the cusp of a long overdue MVP year, and could hit 60 fppg. The rest of the roster might struggle to score even 1/3 of that the rest of the way. Westbrook is stuck behind Murray in Denver, and Luke Kennard has failed to run away with all the injuries the Grizzlies had last year, managing to not play a full season himself. Zach Edey might breathe some fresh air into the team, but will Luka and Edey be able to carry this team back into the playoffs? I have my doubts and for that, I just don't see it this year. I know Andre is a competitor but maybe its time to consider stacking up some assets to build around Luka and Edey for a run at the East again in 2 years time. 

2023 Prediction: 14-15
2023 Result: 16-13

[Zach Lowe]

22. Orlando Magic - Prediction: 10-19


The top of the roster when healthy can compete for the playoffs. The rest might just not have the depth to hold the same weight. Tatum is still a Bonafede stud, and while Jimmy might struggle with his health, when he plays he scores simple as that. Then it starts to fall apart for impact players. De'Andre Hunter had his time to shine, and even Atlanta has accepted who he is at this point in time. Caleb Martin had some hype around him, but the playoff run in 2022 did not lead to any sufficient fantasy uptick. Is bouquet boy anything but a funny meme at this point in time? The Missi pickup could turn out to be very nice, and even Pacome has shown flashes, once again proving Sarge has a nice eye for talent. Now can he mesh that with some shrewd moves to bring this team back into contention for 2025? 

2023 Prediction: 16-13
2023 Result: 11-18

[Zach Lowe]

21. San Antonio Spurs - Prediction: 11-18

The Spurs are way ahead of schedule, at least from where I expected them to be last preseason. Dejounte Murray, although not a stat stuffer he was in San Antonio, still knows how to put up points. Coby White has continued to find himself a role and done quite well in excelling in the fantasy realm as well. Devin Vassell is still viewed as a stud, but he has to get healthy. I remain unsold on Jeremy Sochan as a long term fantasy guy but he will still have all the opportunity afforded to him by the team. Naz Reid is going from being stuck behind KAT to being stuck behind Randle, will he get more time in the sun now? Would be big for the Spurs franchise as most believe he is underutilized. 

2023 Prediction: 8-21
2023 Result: 9-20

[Zach Lowe]

20. Philadelphia 76ers - Prediction 12-17

Devin Booker and Lauri Markkanen still are stud players to build a team around, and should continue their stellar production this year as well. Josh Giddey took a major step back after the ascension that was a major reason for this team making the Eastern Conference finals 2 years ago; Now a move to Chicago could lead to more stable production, but there are a lot of ball dominant players in that system, so what will Gideye's role really be? After that the roster starts to fall apart, Andrew Wiggins should continue to be phased out in Golden State. Larry Nance and Bojan Bogdanovic are players that really need a trade to show any sort of value. The 76ers really need Nembhard to take a step up for this team to break expectations. I actually think Plumlee should be a bonus producer this year with the Suns lack of depth and health at the Center spot. The trend doesn't favor the 76ers right now, and some thing has to change. 
This was tied for my worst prediction last year (7 win difference) and I think it will be more in line this year. 

2023 Prediction: 18-11
2023 Result: 11-18

[Zach Lowe]

19. Oklahoma City Thunder - Prediction: 13-16

With news of Embiid refusing to play back to backs all year, the overall luster at the top of this roster does take a hit. There is not much luster to begin with however, as the roster beyond Embiid and Tobias is baren compared to previous years. Ideally for the Thunder organization they start to see the light and realize its time to cash in the Embiid chips for a major payday. Carrington was a big pickup in the draft, and his ability to get going from the start will be a major need for this roster. Ultimately the roster lacks any depth and core pieces to compliment Embiid enough to win games in the tougher conference. The team overperformed on last years projections, can they prove me wrong again? Doubtful. 


2023 Prediction: 19-10
2023 Result: 23-6

[Zach Lowe]

18. Denver Nuggets - Prediction: 16-13

Rudy Gobert goes from having to share the ball with Kat to a ball hogging legend like Julius Randle, and I am not quite certain how that plays out for fantasy. Jalen Johnson was a stud last year, if he continues to improve on that production, the Nuggets certainly have the chance to pull off some upsets this year once again. Caruso is going to be asked to do a ton of dirty work for OKC, but largely his production should mitigate itself and stabilize. While the top 4 on this roster gives you some hope, the rest of the 8 active spots leave a lot to be desired. Herbert Jones and Cameron Johnson have not taken the fantasy jump most thought they were in line for, Davion Mitchell is still a big unknown. This is probably the roster thats hardest to project for me within the 15-20 range, but Kevin has the chance to prove his doubters wrong again. 

2023 Prediction: 14-15
2023 Result: 17-12

[Zach Lowe]

17. Utah Jazz - Prediction 17-12

Any roster being led at the front by Derrick White will give you a pause before you start to consider it a contender. I have the Jazz narrowly missing out in a stacked Western Conference and that's not to throw shade at Johnathan. There are pieces on the roster that hold good value, weather that's Jaren Jackson, Darius Garland, or even RJ Barrett who say an uptick in production after getting a move out of New York. Guys like Kelly Olynyk and Daniel Theis will provide production to keep the roster balanced but I see them ultimately being moved at the deadline. Is this a year to finally expect a breakout from Bennedict Mathurin? Time is past due, and the opportunity might be hard to grasp on a roster that is quite deep with the Pacers. The bottom of the roster still needs a lot more TLC but the FO seems to be cruising on by for now. 


2023 Prediction: 14-15
2023 Result: 18-11

[Zach Lowe]

16. New York Knicks - Prediction 17-12

Trae Young is the prince of New York, and with Dejounte gone, he might regain his form to score 40+ again this year. IQ and Zach Lavine are solid supplemental stars to build the rest of the team around and the Knicks should be happy with that core. Paul George has caused more headaches than he has really been worth during his Knicks career and this season is off to a similar start so far with an injury right before we get the first games underway. There are teams out there that would pay an arm and a leg for Trey Murphy and for good reason, he has all the tools to be a crazy fantasy scorer in Bball26, but will it finally pan out this year? The Pelicans might once again just be too deep for a breakout. I like the TJ McConnell pickup, and honestly an addition by subtraction of Mitchell that is being overlooked. What needs attention still is the bottom 4 players on this roster, and having to rely on weekly waivers might cost this team a game or two. Should be playoff bound in the East regardless, and there are no more demons of first round exists for JSood. 



2023 Prediction: 17-12
2023 Result: 19-10

[Zach Lowe]

15. Minnesota Timberwolves - Prediction 17-12

The lofty expectations did not come to fruition last year, and the roster started to show the cracks I was worried about last year. Anthony Davis needs to replicate his health from last year, as he played the most amount of games he ever has in a season. Tyrese Haliburton was on FIRE to start the year, but fizzled a lot towards the end, and its really hard to tell which version we will see this year with more guys able to take over the burden that used to rest on his shoulders. Julius Randle was hurt for a lot of last year and is now on a completely new roster, one that wont throw him out there for 40 minutes a night. Marcus Smart and Shaedon Sharpe need to stay healthy this year for this Wolves team to fight their way through a tough West. If Dillon Brooks loses his starting spot to Amen Thompson this season, that will start to cause some issues. The rest of the roster is merely there to fill the quota and I was hoping for better depth from this roster for once. 



2023 Prediction: 22-7
2023 Result: 18-11

[Zach Lowe]

14. Toronto Raptors - Prediction: 17-12

There have been plenty of times I have questioned the Raports FO, and often for good reason. Yet this team has continued to make moves and is starting to show a lot of teams around the Bball 26 world how to retool quickly, if you haven't been paying attention you really should now. Miles Bridges showed last year he can still produce at a high level in fantasy, after a year filled with injuries, can Desmond Bane have another comeback year? Jrue Holiday continued to put up stats in Boston, and even at 34 shows no sign of slowing down. Mikal Bridges might take a hit to his production, but if he can improve his efficiency (new shot pending) he might stay relevant enough for the Raptors. Donte moved away from New York, and that might work out for him weather thats as a 6th man for the Wolves, or just a guy that can feed off of the attention on AE. OG needs to get back to being a 26 guy and this team will beat a lot of marquee teams around the league. The depth on this roster is actually some of the best around the league, and honestly its one true elite player away from being a contender at the top. Props to Kendrick Perkins. 

2023 Prediction: 14-15
2023 Result: 10-19

[Zach Lowe]

13. Cleveland Cavaliers - Prediction: 18-11

While the East might have been weak, Jon managed to sneak his way into the playoffs once again and was not an easy out either. LeBron is still churning out fantasy points like butter even at the edge of being a 40 year old. Jalen Brunson saw his best season yet, and as the chosen prince of New York, might have the chance to do better this year. Guys like Claxton and Jaylen Brown will get the job done in fantasy without much fuss and are consistent year around. Keldon Johnson, I have my doubts this year as the spurs continue to add depth to that roster, will he be able to find a role for himself yet again? The depth on this roster is my biggest concern so far, the Cavs will just need a ton more out of Cole Anthony and Cody Martin to move up into the next tier, but will still contend for a 7-8th seed out in the Eastern Conference. 

2023 Prediction: 12-16-1
2023 Result: 12-17

[Zach Lowe]

12. Indiana Pacers - Prediction: 19-10

Last year I stated my love for Alperen Sengun and the rest of this roster a ton, while some of that trust was rewarded (Sengun, Duren, Simons) others left a lot to be desired. If Sengun and Duren alone take the next step this team will continue to be very dangerous. IF Zion can add to that firepower consistently, you would be scared to face this team come playoff time. Michael Porter does his job and puts up points even with his family in chaos at all times. Anfernee has shown his chops, and is a solidified piece to have. Guys like Bruce Brown, Isaiah Jackson, Vince Williams, while not sexy big names, will give you what is needed to compliment the top of the roster. There are some moves JHo needs to make to really contend for a title this year, inactivity like last year will just leave this team stagnating at a playoff birth and quick exit. So much potential here, hope it doesn't go wasted. 

2023 Prediction: 18-11
2023 Result: 16-13

[Zach Lowe]

11. Houston Rockets - Prediction: 19-10

This might be my HOTTEST take of the year, but I really expect big things from this roster. This team has fun youth mixed in with the right amount of old solid scorers to make some splashes along the year. Free has grinded out his years in here, just quietly building a monster roster. The top trio of Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Paolo Banchero can go toe to toe with any trio in the league. I once again expect Paolo and Curry to outproduce their scoring from last year. Tyler Herro has settled in nicely to his role in Miami, and as long as he isnt traded he should put up close to 30 points this year. Draymond, while not as agile as he once used to be, continues to find a way to just stuff the stat sheets including the fight started column. Amen Thompson will be this teams X-Factor this year, and if he can take over Dillon brooks starting spot, he can put up fantasy points in the blink of an eye. Will guys like Killian Hayes, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams produce enough to keep this team in contention in the playoffs? I don't think so, but I fully expect Free to make his first playoffs. 

Props on not being afraid to make mistakes in free agency over the years, enough guys have hit where Free can continue to build towards the top in the coming years. Lets see if he can make deadline moves most GMs can find to push himself this year. 

2023 Prediction: 13-16
2023 Result: 8-21

Projection: 13-16