San Antonio More

1. San Antonio Spurs (Last season’s record: 62-20): The reigning champs went just 2-5 in the preseason, but don’t appear worried. They open Tuesday with a tough test against Dallas.









Golden State More

2. Golden State Warriors (Last season’s record: 51-31): The Warriors have the best backcourt, deepest bench and Andrew Bogut back. It’s up to new coach Steve Kerr to make it work.









Cleveland More

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Last season’s record: 33-49): LeBron James’ second tenure with Cleveland begins Thursday against New York. It could take time for James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to jell.









Los Angeles More

4. Los Angeles Clippers (Last season’s record: 57-25) The Clippers will play their first regular-season game in the post-Donald Sterling era on Thursday vs. the Thunder.









Chicago More

5. Chicago Bulls (Last season’s record: 48-34): If Derrick Rose can play like his old self, Chicago will be an NBA power again.









Memphis More

6. Memphis Grizzlies (Last season’s record: 50-32): Keep an eye on center Marc Gasol, who is much leaner this season. The Spaniard lost 23 games to a knee injury last season.









Houston More

7. Houston Rockets (Last season’s record: 54-28): Dwight Howard returns to Los Angeles to play the Lakers in the season opener Tuesday.









Dallas More

8. Dallas Mavericks (Last season’s record: 49-33): The Mavs are a team to watch with the additions of Chandler Parsons and Tyson Chandler to Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, but point guard is a big concern.









Portland More

9. Portland Trail Blazers (Last season’s record: 54-28): Keep an eye on Damian Lillard, who has a chip on his shoulder after being cut from USA Basketball’s World Cup team.









Atlanta More

10. Atlanta Hawks (Last season’s record: 38-44): The Hawks now have a healthy Al Horford playing alongside Paul Millsap in the post. Atlanta will be one of the East’s top teams.









Miami More

11. Miami Heat (Last season’s record: 54-28): Life without LeBron James begins on Wednesday against Washington. Is this now Chris Bosh’s or Dwyane Wade’s team?









Toronto More

12. Toronto Raptors (Last season’s record: 48-34): Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors aren’t a surprise anymore and will face pressure to improve on their playoff appearance last season.









New Orleans More

13. New Orleans Pelicans (Last season’s record: 34-48:): There will be a lot of pressure on the Pelicans this season as Anthony Davis and Co. are expected to make the postseason.









Charlotte More

14. Charlotte Hornets (Last season’s record: 43-39): The usually reclusive Michael Jordan has been more visible lately with the return of the ‘Hornets’ nickname.









Phoenix More

15. Phoenix Suns (Last season’s record: 48-34): Phoenix had success with a hard-to-guard, three point-guard lineup of Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas in the preseason.









Washington More

16. Washington Wizards (Last season’s record: 44-38): Newcomer Paul Pierce will add much-needed veteran leadership and swag, but the injury to Bradley Beal (wrist) is a big loss.









Denver More

17. Denver Nuggets (Last season’s record: 36-46): With a new contract and recent success with USA Basketball, the Nuggets are expecting an All-Star-caliber season from Kenneth Faried.









Brooklyn More

18. Brooklyn Nets (Last season’s record: 44-38): If the roster remains healthy, new coach Lionel Hollins has a very talented team. But it is an older, injury-plagued Nets squad.









New York More

19. New York Knicks (Last season’s record: 37-45): While it will take time for Carmelo Anthony to get used to the triangle offense, veteran point guard Jose Calderon should help him.

Story continues