The NBA returns on Tuesday night, with 30 teams across two conferences and six divisions gearing up for a gruelling 82-game regular-season schedule.
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Play-off hopefuls
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies made it all the way to the Conference Finals last season, but would be hard pressed to repeat that achievement. They have not responded to the off-season moves being made in the rest of the West, and their roster is solid rather than spectacular. Good up front but may lack outside shooting.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota are in the best shape they have been for several years with big man Kevin Love healthy - at least for now - and point guard Ricky Rubio also getting extended time on the floor. The duo's development is key to any success the Timberwolves are aiming for.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks still have Dirk Nowitzki, but the team that won the NBA crown in 2011 has been dismantled. The rebuilding project is likely to be a long one even though the big German is still one of the game's elite players. Monta Ellis has been signed.
Denver Nuggets
Point guard Ty Lawson is now the leader out on court after the departure of Andre Iguodala to Golden State. Danilo Gallinari is a solid scorer but is out for a large portion of the season with a torn ACL. They have a new coach but will benefit from home advantage at altitude.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers seem set for a tough year. Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace have left, while Pau Gasol and Steve Nash are ageing rapidly. The man who has been the face of the franchise for over 10 years, Kobe Bryant, is still recovering from a torn Achilles. A date has not been set for his return yet, but he has been ruled out of the season opener. "I know he's Superman, but my God. He hasn't run yet," coach Mike D'Antoni said. Oh dear.
