It would be hard to imagine the Warriors topping last years record of 73 wins during the regular season, but basketball experts are predicting even more victories in the upcoming season, but not all is rosy as the team lost two of their best big men in the off season and chemistry could become an issue. With all that being said, there’s no doubt this squad is tops on the power rankings heading into the 2016-17 season.
The Eastern Conference should be more competitive with the likes of Boston and Detroit ready to battle Cleveland and Toronto for the supremacy. LeBron James will keep the Cavaliers as the top team in the east, but back court depth could become an issue, leaving the door open for the likes of the Raptors and Celtics to take the top spot.
Toronto didn’t make a splash in free agency, but locking in shooting guard DeMar DeRozan was huge and with perhaps the best back court in the east, big things are expected yet again form the squad that plays north of the border, but much of their success will depend on the play of the big men in the paint and if they find the right combination, another franchise record in wins, is a legitimate target.
Boston could make the biggest move in terms of wins from last season to this year. General manager Danny Ainge added center Al Horford and with a good mix of young guns, 55 or more victories is a real possibility. The Celtics have also climbed to fifth in the latest power rankings, but with all the question marks surrounding the top teams in the Eastern Conference, they too could represent the east in next years NBA Championship.
