SCOTT AGNES (Pacers reporter at VigilantSports)
Underrated: Boston Celtics
They finished atop the East last year and got even better in the offseason. While they made substantial moves, essentially gutting their roster, they beefed up their core and that’s what matters. Chemistry will take time, but they are led by Brad Stevens. They’ll figure it out. They can compete now, but their future (with a combination of seasoned vets and young pups) is even brighter.
Overrated: Milwaukee Bucks
They just don’t scare you. They’ll be good enough for a middle-of-the-road playoff spot in the East, but they don’t have enough firepower to compete with the likes of Cleveland and Boston. They have an intriguing trio of players, led by Antetokounmpo, but it’ll be interesting to see how this roster comes together.
JOSHUA BROOM (Assistant editor at BadLeftHook and at 16WinsARing)
Underrated: Brooklyn Nets
I feel the Brooklyn Nets are an underrated Eastern Conference lottery team which can earn 30-35 wins. A healthy Jeremy Lin, combined with offseason additions D'Angelo Russell, Allen Crabbe, and DeMarre Carroll will surpass many expectations and shock many opponents this year.
Overrated: San Antonio Spurs
I chose San Antonio because though they are perennially written off, this season must be the one in which their time at the top concludes. I base this decision on three simple factors: advanced age, cumulative injuries, and lack of depth. Simply, I do not believe San Antonio's past-prime and injury-prone lineup can excel during another taxing 82-game run.
DANNY EMERMAN (Celtics beat writer at 16WinsARing.com)
Underrated: Denver Nuggets
I've always thought Paul Millsap is an underrated player. His impact on both sides of the floor this year will be evident in Denver. On paper, the pairing of him and Nikola Jokic should be terrific—Millsap fills in the holes defensively, they can play off each other offensively. Denver is a well coached team and they should be able to hit the over, even in a brutal Western Conference.
Overrated: Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers' over/under line is 100% generated by fan and media hype surrounding Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. In my eyes, there's no chance they can sniff .500, especially when considering Embiid and Simmons' injury history. Young teams in general tend to struggle, no matter how talented they are. Young teams whose best players can't stay on the court are destined for the lottery.