The NBA’s Eastern Conference is as unpredictable as ever this year. The top of the conference feels due for change, and the Southeast Division has a couple of teams ready to make their case as contenders. While this division is less heralded than others, it still features plenty of exciting young players and developing teams that should keep fans entertained all season. Here is how the division shapes up before the year begins.
Orlando Magic
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Suggs
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Franz Wagner
PF: Paolo Banchero
C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Key Bench Contributors: Anthony Black, Tyus Jones, Tristan Da Silva, Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze
Orlando should be the top team in the division this year. The addition of Desmond Bane was a perfect fit. His defense, shooting, and overall offensive game will give Orlando a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor. All-Stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero are both entering their primes and getting better each year. Jalen Suggs remains an elite defender with a rapidly improving offensive game. The bench is solid, giving the Magic all the pieces they need to make a 2024 Indiana Pacers–like NBA Finals run.
Prediction: 54–28
Divisional Projection: 1st
Ceiling: NBA Finals Appearance
Atlanta Hawks
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Trae Young
SG: Dyson Daniels
SF: Zaccharie Risacher
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Kristaps Porzingis
Key Bench Contributors: Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Asa Newell, Onyeka Okongwu
Atlanta had one of the better offseasons of any team this year. Bringing in Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard gives the Hawks a combination of shooting, defense, and versatility that had been missing. Jalen Johnson continues to improve, Zaccharie Risacher looks ready for a breakout sophomore season, and the backcourt of Trae Young and Dyson Daniels could become one of the league’s best. Atlanta will challenge Orlando for the division crown.
Prediction: 49–33
Divisional Projection: 2nd
Ceiling: Conference Finals
Miami Heat
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Tyler Herro
SG: Norman Powell
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Nikola Jovic
C: Bam Adebayo
Key Bench Contributors: Davion Mitchell, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware
Miami is quite possibly the most average team in the league. The core of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, and Kel’el Ware is solid but clearly lacks a top-end superstar. The Heat seem destined for another Play-In Tournament appearance without much hope of another surprise playoff run.
Prediction: 43–39
Divisional Projection: 3rd
Ceiling: Second Round Exit
Charlotte Hornets
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Kon Knueppel
SF: Brandon Miller
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Moussa Diabate
Key Bench Contributors: Tre Mann, Collin Sexton, Josh Green, Grant Williams, Mason Plumlee
Charlotte remains an exciting young team with plenty of hope for the future. LaMelo Ball is a star, Brandon Miller continues to improve each year, and rookie Kon Knueppel brings intriguing potential. Unfortunately, the positives stop there. Moussa Diabate starting at center is a concern, and the bench is average at best. Charlotte is prioritizing development over wins, which is the right call at this stage.
Prediction: 31–51
Divisional Projection: 4th
Ceiling: Play-In Tournament
Washington Wizards
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Bub Carrington
SG: CJ McCollum
SF: Khris Middleton
PF: Bilal Coulibaly
C: Alex Sarr
Key Bench Contributors: Tre Johnson, Cam Whitmore, Corey Kispert, Kyshawn George
The Wizards have assembled an odd mix of veterans and young talent. Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Alex Sarr form an exciting young core, while veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton seem strangely placed on this roster. Washington may not play great basketball, but they will be entertaining to watch.
Prediction: 25–57
Divisional Projection: 5th
Ceiling: Play-In Tournament
Final Thoughts
Like other divisions in the Eastern Conference, the Southeast has a clear hierarchy. Orlando and Atlanta will battle for the top spot, while Washington and Charlotte will likely compete near the bottom. Miami, much like the caliber of its roster, sits right in the middle of both the division and the league.
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