The NBA season has tipped off, here are the predicted power rankings for the season. 

At the top

1. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are primed to win the title with the talent and depth assembled, with or without Kyrie Irving, who is absent because he will not be vaccinated.  

2. Los Angeles Lakers 

The Lakers have proven that they could win with just Lebron James and Anthony Davis, but adding Russell Westbrook gives them more star power to work with. 

3. Milwaukee Bucks

As the defending champions, the Bucks showed last season that they are capable of overcoming adversity with comebacks over the Nets and Suns en route to their title. 

Right There

4. Phoenix Suns

The Suns made a run to the Finals when nobody expected it. They were impressive to watch last season and one of the healthiest teams as well. 

5. Utah Jazz

The Jazz have come up short during their long stretch of playoff appearances; soon it’s going to have to be their year or changes should be made. 

6. Miami Heat

The addition of Kyle Lowry gives Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo another co-star to play with after bringing the Heat close to a championship during the bubble. 

In the Hunt 

7. Denver Nuggets 

With reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets look to win without recovering Jamal Murray, but need Michael Porter Jr. to evolve into a second option. 

8. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks made it to the Conference Finals last season on the back of Trae Young, who showed he’s more than just a statistical machine. 

9. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are still a contender with Joel Embid, but the biggest question is finding out what to do with Ben Simmons.

10. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors got hot towards the end of last season, while Stephen Curry can carry a team with a supporting cast, a deep playoff run hinges on the return of Klay Thompson. 

“I feel the Bucks are favorites this year mostly because they won the 2021 Championship and Giannis’ jumper is looking like straight money, so it’s over,” said Paul Cobourne, a WJPS senior.

“I think the favorites are definitely LA due to the superteam there and the Nets potentially. But I’m unsure of the Nets because Kyrie is a big part of that team. If he refuses to play, the Nets aren’t as up there,” said Hamza Ariyan, another WJPS senior. 

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