







Miami More

1. Miami Heat (66-16 last season): While much has been made about LeBron James' pending free agency, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh also will be extra motivated this season to position themselves for one last big contract.

San Antonio More

2. San Antonio Spurs (58-24 last season): Keep an eye on guard Marco Belinelli, who averaged 14 points in his last four preseason games. An All-Star season could be on the horizon for budding star Kawhi Leonard.

Indiana More

3. Indiana Pacers (49-32 last season): The return of Danny Granger will be a big lift, but his health remains a concern. The addition of reserve forward Luis Scola was one of the offseason's smartest moves.







Chicago More

4. Chicago Bulls (45-37 last season): Derrick Rose is jumping higher, shooting runners with both hands well and hitting his jumper. There isn't a more intriguing season-opener than Rose's return against Miami.

Los Angeles More

5. Los Angeles Clippers (56-26 last season): New Clippers president and coach Doc Rivers made a good decision to cover the Lakers' banners during home games. Rivers wants the Clippers to have their own strong identity.

Houston More

6. Houston Rockets (45-37 last season): In the preseason, Dwight Howard looked healthy, appeared to have worked on his face-up game and co-existed well with fellow All-Star James Harden.

Golden State More

7. Golden State Warriors (47-35 last season): One NBA scout said the Warriors' biggest question is depth at point guard and center. Andre Iguodala's versatility could help overcome some personnel issues.

Oklahoma City More

8. Oklahoma City Thunder (60-22 last season): The Thunder are only beginning the season this low because Russell Westbrook might not be back from knee surgery until December. The Thunder should be near the top of the rankings by the New Year.

Memphis More

9. Memphis Grizzlies (56-26 last season): All eyes will be on new head coach Dave Joerger, who replaced the franchise's most successful coach in Lionel Hollins. Even with the addition of Mike Miller, Memphis needs more shooting.

New York More

10. New York Knicks (54-28 last season): Curious to see how underachieving Andrea Bargnani performs in a new uniform in New York. Playing alongside Carmelo Anthony should get him some easy outside looks.

Brooklyn More

11. Brooklyn Nets (49-33 last season): The biggest coaching challenge of the season goes to rookie head coach Jason Kidd, who has some talented veterans with egos in Deron Williams, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

Denver More

12. Denver Nuggets (57-25 last season): The Nuggets not only don't have Andre Iguodala any more, but forward Danilo Gallinari also won't be back until at least December as he recovers from a knee injury.

Minnesota More

13. Minnesota Timberwolves (31-51 last season): Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic spent 15 minutes on the floor together last season. If they're healthy – and Kevin Martin plays well – the Wolves can finally make the postseason.

Story continues