Southeast Division preview capsules
Teams listed in predicted order of finish.
1. Miami Heat
2025-26 record: 43-39, fourth in Southeast, lost in play-in round to Charlotte
Head coach: Erik Spoelstra, 19th season with Heat (830-611 record)
Coming and going: The Heat made the NBA’s major offseason splash acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks in a blockbuster deal, along with Bobby Portis in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis, along with multiple draft assets and the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (Nate Ament). The Heat didn’t stop there, signing Klay Thompson to a two-year deal and Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nick Richards to one-year deals. Miami also re-signed Andrew Wiggins to a multi-year extension and Simone Fontecchio to a one-year deal. Miami also acquired the draft rights to second-round shooting guard Ryan Conwell. Norman Powell is gone after signing with the Bulls.
Numbers to crunch: In 12 seasons since the end of the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh era, the Heat have won 50 or more games in a season only once. A concern heading into the season is whether Miami can be a proficient enough shooting team. The Heat ranked 15th last year in 3-pointers made per game (13.7) and 11th in 3-point percentage (36.1%), but Powell (2.7 threes made per game) and Herro (2.6 per game) — their top two long-distance shooters last season — are gone.
Breakout player: Davion Mitchell is expected to be the team’s starting point guard, with more scoring options, and has shown potential in the preseason. Mitchell could flourish with more minutes after averaging 9.3 points, 6.5 assists and 28.6 minutes in 70 games (all starts) last season.
2. Atlanta Hawks
2025-26 record: 46-36, first in Southeast, lost in first round 4-2 to New York Knicks
Head coach: Quin Snyder, fifth season with Hawks (132-135)
Coming and going: The Hawks extended CJ McCollum for one year after acquiring him last January in the Trae Young trade to Washington, and traded for Aaron Wiggins from Oklahoma City, sending two future second-round picks to the Thunder. Atlanta sought to strengthen its frontcourt and defense after ranking 18th in points allowed per game (116.0), adding Lu Dort and re-signing Jock Landale. Pairing Dort with Dyson Daniels should strengthen the perimeter defense. Zaccharie Risacher was traded to Dallas and Jonathan Kuminga signed with Minnesota. The Hawks’ first-round pick from the University of Houston, Kingston Flemings, can learn from McCollum as he takes his first steps as a pro.
Numbers to crunch: The Hawks were the league’s sixth-highest-scoring team last season, averaging 118.5 points per game. Atlanta went 20-6 after the All-Star break and had the eventual NBA champion Knicks down 2-1 in their first-round series after a pair of one-point victories in Games 2 and 3.
Breakout player: If the Hawks can establish some more roster stability, look for Asa Newell to carve out a bigger role in the frontcourt. Newell, who signed a multi-year deal after being traded from New Orleans, played in only 44 games (two starts) and averaged 5.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 11.4 minutes per game. He will likely back up Jalen Johnson initially, but could earn more minutes as the season progresses.
3. Orlando Magic
2025-26 record: 45-37, second in Southeast, lost in first round to Pistons
Head coach: Sean Sweeney, first season with Magic
Coming and going: Sweeney takes the helm after 13 seasons as an assistant coach, including last season as associate head coach with Western Conference champion San Antonio. Sweeney’s experience with other talents such as Victor Wembanyama should be beneficial for Orlando’s duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Magic did more to keep their roster intact than adding new players after re-signing Jevon Carter and Jonathan Isaac. The Magic also added Nikola Vucevic and acquired the draft rights to second-round forward Izaiyah Nelson.
Numbers to crunch: The Magic averaged 22 made free throws per game, which led the league, but need to improve from the perimeter, where they ranked 27th in 3-point percentage (34.3%). Banchero and Wagner have shot only 32% from 3 during their respective careers.
Breakout player: Anthony Black could play an important role in Orlando’s pursuit of a deeper playoff run, although his future with the team remains uncertain amid reported trade speculation. Black averaged career highs of 15 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 64 games (40 starts) last season while shooting 44.7% from the field. He has earned himself a role as a reliable rotation player and his versatility could prove even more valuable on a team with plenty of roster continuity.
4. Charlotte Hornets
2025-26 record: 44-38, third in Southeast, lost in second play-in round to Orlando
Head coach: Charles Lee, third season with Hornets (63-101)
Coming and going: The Hornets have the division’s most revamped roster after the Heat, trading away leading scorer LaMelo Ball and Josh Green as part of a four-team deal that sent Naz Reid to Minnesota. Charlotte also traded for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and Dennis Schroder and dealt Miles Bridges. The team also re-signed Coby White to a three-year deal. Allen and Schroder could start if White and Kon Knueppel aren’t recovered from injuries to begin the season.
Numbers to crunch: The Hornets have made the playoffs 10 times in their history, but have never won a division title. White is averaging 4.7 assists per 36 minutes for his career. Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Hornets’ best shot blocker, led the team with 1.5 blocks in 21.4 minutes per game.
Breakout player: Reid’s versatility, perimeter shooting and ability to attack the basket should give Charlotte another reliable scoring option as the Hornets adjust to life without Ball. A former Sixth Man of the Year, Reid gives Charlotte depth, averaging 13.5 or more points per game each of his past three seasons. His scoring average could rise in Charlotte’s lineup.
5. Washington Wizards
2025-26 record: 17-65, last in Southeast
Head coach: Brian Keefe, fourth season with Wizards (43-160)
Coming and going: Trae Young signed for four years and Khris Middleton came over in a trade with the Mavericks. They and Anthony Davis are among the veterans who will join a talented young group and try to raise the Wizards out of their perpetual doldrums. That young group is led by 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa, who led the NCAA in scoring last season with 25.5 points per game as a freshman at BYU. Washington traded Jaden Hardy, De’Angelo Russell and Cam Whitmore and acquired Deandre Ayton and Tre Mann.
Numbers to crunch: The Wizards need to improve defensively and be more effective on the boards. Washington ranked 30th in offensive rebounds allowed (13.1 per game) and 29th in points allowed (124.9 per game).
Breakout player: Look no further than Dybantsa, whose 6-foot-9 frame and ability to finish at the rim or pull up from distance could make him one of the league’s most dynamic players this season. Dybantsa should command significant defensive attention, creating opportunities for him to find open teammates and generate offense for Washington’s mix of young talent and veterans.
