Another season of the NBA has begun and things are already kicking into high gear as all 30 teams are once again in it to secure a championship ring. Some teams are trying to win their first ever championship, others are looking to reclaim their spot on top, and one team is attempting to go back to back. So as the 79th year of the NBA starts up, here are some things to know, players to look out for, and what teams have a chance at winning the championship.
Starting off in the Eastern Conference with the Cleveland Cavaliers who hope to bring the team back into the playoffs. The Cavs are led for another season by guard Donovan Mitchell, and the rest of their returning starting lineup guard Darius Garland, centers Evan Mobley and Jarett Allen, and forward De’Andre Hunter.
The New York Knicks and their returning key players look to guide themselves to another postseason appearance. The Knicks are bringing back guard Jalen Brunson along with the other four starters forward OG Anunoby, guard Mikal Bridges, centers Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
The Boston Celtics will enter the new season without one of their key players, forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered an achilles tear during the 2nd round of last year’s playoffs. Besides Tatum’s injury, the Celtics also lost starters such as guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis. With the loss of those three players Boston will turn to returning starters guards Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who will look to navigate the Celtics into the playoffs once again.
The Indiana Pacers are coming into this season without their starting guard Tyrese Haliburton (#0), who also tore his achilles in game 7 of last year’s finals. The Pacers also lost starting center Myles Turner in the offseason leaving them with only three returning starters in forward Pascal Siakam, and guards Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, who will try to steer the Pacers to another playoff appearance.
The Philadelphia 76ers still have their key players such as forward Paul George, center Joel Embiid, and guard Tyrese Maxey this season. The Sixers also drafted guard VJ Edgecombe out of Baylor who is sure to add even more talent to their roster.
The Orlando Magic retained their young stars over the offseason as guard Jalen Suggs and forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner all returned for another year with the team, giving the Magic a good chance at another post season appearance.
The Detroit Pistons brought back guards Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson, and center Jalen Duren for another year, who are all skilled players that will help Detroit head back into the playoffs once more.
The Chicago Bulls return with guards Josh Giddey and Coby White, and forward Issac Okoro, making them another good youth filled team with a shot at the playoffs this year.
Moving into the Western Conference with last season’s champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who spring into this season with high hopes of repeating championships. The Thunder are led by last season’s MVP guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, followed by the rest of the returning starters, centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, and guards Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort.
The Denver Nuggets, led by center Nikola Jokic, head into the season hoping to make it to the postseason once again. Also returning for another year are guards Jamal Murray and Christian Braun, as well as forward Aaron Gordon. However, in the offseason, Denver did lose starting forward Michael Porter Jr, who was replaced by forward Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade.
The Houston Rockets jump into the new season keeping some of their key players from last year as they search for another top seeded finish and playoff appearance. Returning starters from last year include center Alperen Sengun, guard Amen Thompson, and forward Jabari Smith Jr. Houston. The Rockets did give up guard Jalen Green in the offseason, but replaced him with forward Kevin Durant from the Suns in a trade.
Both Los Angeles teams are fighting to secure playoff spots this year as the Clippers retained most of their starting rosters from last season, keeping veterans such as guard James Harden, center Ivica Zubac, and forward Kawhi Leonard. The Lakers on the other hand had guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and forwards Rui Hachimura and Lebron James all return for them over the offseason. In addition, the Lakers also acquired center Deandre Ayton in free agency to add to their lineup.
The San Antonio Spurs have an exciting year on their hands as they acquire forward Victor Wembanyama back from injury while keeping guards Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox, along with forward Harrison Barnes over the offseason. With the team healthy and strong for another year, the Spurs are in good shape to make the playoffs this season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are yet another team to bring back all of their last year’s starters with guards Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, center Rudy Gobert, and forwards Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle, all in hopes of securing a playoff spot once more.
The Golden State Warriors head into the new season with visions of the playoffs as they retain their starters. Superstar guard Steph Curry, forwards Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Jimmy Butler, and center Quinten Post all return for another year with the team.
With the introductions of some of the top teams between both NBA conferences, and with all of the games beginning to start, one may find themselves asking a number of questions. What teams won’t make the playoffs this year? What teams actually have a chance at winning it all? Who will win their conferences? The answers to those questions unfortunately won’t be known until the regular season nears its end in April 2026, however, basketball fans across the world should be kicking their feet in excitement at what will be another amazing NBA season.