All-Star Break Tiers: 6, Lottery

Indy got their guy, Tyrese Haliburton. They'll be good next year, but are lumped in with the rest of the league's doormats for this season.

The lowest tier for our All-Star break rankings is composed of the rebuilding Pacers, Pistons, Thunder, Magic, and Rockets.

Indiana Pacers

Record, Pre All-Star break: 20-40, 13th in Eastern Conference

The Pacers are looking ahead to next season after moving on from Domantas Sabonis. They acquired Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton from Sacramento, and can compete in the East next season pending the health and return of Malcom Brogdon to go along with Myles Turner, who was pleased when Haliburton was shipped to Indy. They are in the best shape moving out of the five teams in the Lottery tier.

Detroit Pistons

Record, Pre All-Star break: 13-45, 14th in Eastern Conference

Cade Cunningham has been a bright spot on a team that had little to no expectations for the '22 NBA season. Detroit will have their pick at the top of this summer's draft class and continue to add to a group of developing young players.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Record, Pre All-Star break: 18-40, 14th in Western Conference

The Thunder are still stocked with draft assets thanks to who LeBron calls the MVP of OKC, General Manager Sam Presti. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't seen as much action due to injury, and the spotlight has fallen on Josh Giddey, who broke the record for youngest player to record a triple-double, doing so on multiple occasions. The Thunder lost a game this season to the Grizzlies that was the worst loss in NBA history: 152-79. They've also had their fair-share of good victories, a moral boost for a struggling young team. Their developing talent will prove to be integral in a couple of seasons.

Orlando Magic

Record, Pre All-Star break: 13-47, 15th in Eastern Conference

Franz Wagner has been a solid option for the team all year, more so than the former Gonzaga standout Jalen Suggs. With the injury of Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony has taken the spotlight as the leader of this team, averaging a team-best 17.7 points per game. Wendell Carter has been pouring in some solid numbers as well, averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. We'll see how long it takes Orlando to get back to the postseason.

Houston Rockets

Record, Pre All-Star break: 15-43, 15th in Western Conference

NBA fans know how good Christian Wood is, and while his presence as the best player on the Rockets might not translate to the locker room, he should be considered the most important guy on the roster. Jalen Green has had a somewhat disappointing rookie season after being drafted 2nd out of the G-League Ignite. Kevin Porter Jr. and Ja'Sean Tate have been solid and will be central to the teams's young core moving forward. Similar to Orlando, it's hard to tell how long it will take them to reach the postseason.

Full Tiers: