NBA Power Rankings: Top 5 Eastern Conference teams before NBA opening night 2019-20

#2 Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will be hoping to improve upon last seasons playoff disappointment

The Philadelphia 76ers were among the busiest teams in free agency, although there is plenty of debate whether the roster has improved. The Sixers managed to bring in Al Horford and Josh Richardson while also signing Tobias Harris to a long-term deal, although the team lost the starting duo of Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick.

Whether the Sixers have improved or not, they still enter the new campaign automatically among the best teams in the East due to a lack of competition, and a top-four playoff spot appears almost certain.

Nevertheless, Philadelphia's ability to contend for a title will be down to the performances of its star trio. After earning a significant deal, there will be plenty of pressure on Harris to make more of an impact on the offensive end following the departure of Butler. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid's health and Ben Simmons' ability to develop a jump shot will also play a crucial role.

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#1 Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks begin the new season as the favorites to top the East

The Milwaukee Bucks faced a difficult offseason where several important players hit free agency, although the team came out well. While Malcolm Brogdon's departure will hurt in the long-run, the Bucks will be able to contend over the next few seasons after retaining the trio of George Hill, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez.

The Bucks also added much-needed depth by bringing in Wesley Matthews, Kyle Korver, and Robin Lopez - and the team enters the new season in an arguably stronger than they did last October.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo tipped to once again take home the MVP award, the Bucks should be able to post 60 plus wins for a second straight season, and following Kawhi Leonard's move to the West, anything but an NBA Finals appearance will be considered a disappointment.