Heat, Thunder top preseason heap

Under any circumstances, the preseason Power Rankings are a crapshoot, an alchemistical jumble of hard data and gut instincts. In the lockout-shortened scrum that has passed for both preseason play and the free-agent signing period, trying to predict the future has become even more fanciful.

What follows is my subjective assessment of how each team will fare not only in terms of regular-season record but also in the overall caliber of their play. (It is harder to win games in the more competitive Western Conference.) Throughout the season, I'll use this space with the intention of stimulating debate (I welcome feedback via the email link at the top of the page) and hopefully offering some insight on the prospects and progress of each team. Check back Tuesday, Jan. 3 for the first regular-season edition of the Power Rankings.

(Last season's records in parentheses.)

NBA Power Rankings