Teams to watch
Golden State Warriors
This team should win. They have claimed three of the past four titles and retain the majority of the core from the past two. Adding dominant big man DeMarcus Cousins gives them arguably five of the top 25 players in the league. That should be far too much firepower for anyone to shut down.
Houston Rockets
Last year they were a quintessential modern basketball team. Lots of three-pointers and layups, with not much in between. They shoot well to space the floor, while James Harden is one of the most dangerous all-round offensive players in the game.
Boston Celtics
Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are back from injury to help a team which very nearly made last year's finals. Have plenty of other pieces too and arguably the league's best coach in Brad Stevens. Expect them to be good all over, helped along by Stevens' systems, which the team executed seamlessly last year.
Players to watch
LeBron James (Lakers)
King James remains the best player in the game and hardly has a weakness. He is coming off his eighth consecutive finals appearance, although has moved west for the first time. How he will fare with a young Los Angeles Lakers will be the most highly-scrutinised storyline of the season.
Kevin Durant (Warriors)
A seven-footer with the skills of an elite guard. He can shoot over virtually anyone. Those big enough to guard him that way cannot stop him attacking off the dribble. That combination makes him the game's best scorer.
James Harden (Rockets)
The reigning MVP and the key man to the Rockets' success last year. One-on-one Harden will find a way to score nearly every time, while also being adept at finding the open man when the defence helps to cover him.
Kyrie Irving (Celtics)
An elite ball-handler who has an array of scoring moves and the ability to shoot. After a false start last year, expect him to step into the spotlight after playing second-fiddle to LeBron for years.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Another do-everything phenomenon who measures at just shy of seven feet. A forward who can also run the point, the Greek Freak can hurt teams with both his passing and scoring. There is word he has been working on his three-point shot as well.
Steve Adams watch
Expect more of the same from the Kiwi big man. A tough inside presence who will rebound and finish at a high percentage inside the paint. The Oklahoma City Thunder should be playoff-bound, although will have to do without Russell Westbrook to start the season. Adams himself is questionable for today's season opener against the Warriors, carrying a thumb injury.
Prediction
The Warriors will make it four rings in five years, beating the Celtics in the finals.
