Incredibly hard year to evaluate and predict. Teams are playing such different noncon schedules in terms of who they play, how many games , and the timing on when games occur with long stretches in between at times and then flurries of games. Even once conference season begins , the schedule will play a big role in regards to who you play at home and on the road. Losing a series to a team might be a common occurance, and losing 2 on a weekend could decide a race.
I know with the Bears getting to start games so late and probably only playing 3 noncon, with 8 newcomers it's hard to see them getting out of the gate strong. But then they play 7 of 9 games at home from Jan17-Feb 14, so that will have to be their time to make a run. Without their point guard playing yet I don't see them making a run at the title. But hope that stretch in late Jan-Feb has them where they can be a factor the rest of the way and in StL. But I really don't know what to expect.