Western Conference
Three teams to watch
Golden State Warriors
Added Kevin Durant, giving an already good team another elite scoring threat. Deadly from the outside and could notch up some high scores this year.
San Antonio Spurs
Well-coached by Gregg Popovich and no-one is better when it comes to moving the ball at pace in the half-court. Lost Tim Duncan to retirement, but retain star Kawhi Leonard among others.
Los Angeles Clippers
Have had plenty of hype the past few years but are yet to deliver. Boast an imposing front line in DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, while Chris Paul remains one of the best point guards around.
Three players to watch
Stephen Curry (Guard)
The best shooter in the game with a quick release, ridiculous range and unerring accuracy. Plays well off the ball, can threaten off the dribble and has nice touch around the hoop.
Steven Adams (Centre)
The Kiwi had something of a breakout period during last year's playoffs and looks set to continue that. Big, tough and athletic, he is hard to stop in the post and off the roll, cleans up the rebounds and offers outstanding rim protection.
Will look to complement superstar guard Russell Westbrook.
Kawhi Leonard (Forward)
Possibly the league's best one-on-one perimeter defender and took a giant step offensively last year to become one of the league's best all-round players.
Eastern Conference
Three teams to watch
Cleveland Cavaliers
Enter as defending champions for the first time. Spearheaded by their big three of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, they can threaten in different all over the court and will be among the contenders again this time around.
Chicago Bulls
Traded former MVP Derrick Rose, but have picked up experienced guards Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. Add them to a handy front court, including Jimmy Butler, and you would expect them to be much improved on last year.
Toronto Raptors
Quietly became a contender last year and proved very tough to beat at home. Kyle Lowry and Demar DeRozan formed one of the league's best backcourts and will likely come back even better this year.
Three players to watch
LeBron James (Forward)
The best player in the game at the moment. Big, athletic and skilful, he can do it all and singlehandedly turns any team into a contender.
Paul George (Forward)
Athletic swingman who shoots well and knows how to get to the hoop. Suffered a horrific leg injury two years ago but came back as strong as ever for the Indiana Pacers.
Jimmy Butler (Guard/Forward)
Broke out two seasons ago and backed it up last year. One of the game's most well-rounded players who will be crucial to the Bulls' chances.
Five storylines to follow
Kevin Durant in Golden State
Undoubtedly the biggest talking point of the off-season. The superstar scorer no doubt adds plenty to the roster, but can he co-exist with Curry, Thompson and Green?
Can LeBron repeat?
LeBron James won his third championship last season and erased any doubt as to his value at crunch time. He will have an enormous challenge to overhaul the Warriors again this year, although when this man is involved, anything can happen.
Can Derrick Rose resurrect his career?
The 2011 MVP has had a tough time in recent years, suffering injury after injury. Has never been as dominant since and was traded to the New York Knicks this year where he will look to rejuvenate his career.
Chicago homecoming
Dwyane Wade's storied career in Miami came to an end this offseason, as he returns to play for his home-town Chicago Bulls. The guard is not what he used to be, although found a new lease of life last year.
What will Steven Adams' role be?
Early indications suggest Steven Adams will play a bigger role in the Oklahoma City Thunder's set-up this year, with the absence of Durant.
Russell Westbrook will remain the go-to player, but Adams has been impressive in the pre-season and could demand more post touches.
Sleeper
Minnesota Timberwolves
Possibly still a year or two off, but have compiled a lot of young talent. Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns have both been touted the next big thing and, with some handy players around them, this is a team that could cause a few upsets should they put it together.
Prediction
The Cavs will go untouched through the East and come up against a Warriors side that has gotten better as the season went on. LeBron will once again be outstanding, but the number of threats the Warriors posses will be too much to contain and they will take the finals in six games.
