In the 2014-15 campaign, the Golden State Warriors put on an aesthetically-pleasing display of basketball when then cruised to their first championship in 40 years. Heading into the season, the Warriors were not considered favorites by any means; they sat in a long line behind teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs. The NBA is a wild and unpredictable league, and 2016 looks to be no different: the West is as stacked as ever, as there appears to be at least 5 legitimate title contenders. Although the East is dominated by LeBron James and the Cavs, teams like the Heat and Bucks have improved significantly (among others) and might challenge the wine and gold for their conference throne.

In this article, we will present to you a breakdown of all 30 teams, from the lowly Sixers to the mighty Warriors. You will be notified of talented players that might strike your attention, and you’ll be wanting to find out where your team ranks in our league ranking. There will be heart-breaking buzzer-beaters, ankle-shattering crossovers, and rim-rattling dunks: the NBA is back!

All graphics are created by Josh Bragg

All statistics and standings are courtesy of NBA.com

Chicago Bulls

2014-15 record: 50-32

2015-16 over/under: 49.5 wins

Ranking: 7th (Josh) 6th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Derrick Rose ★ Jimmy Butler ★ Pau Gasol

Summary:  The Bulls didn’t change their roster much over the summer, but coach Tom Thibodeau was replaced with Fred Hoiberg, who brings a more offensive-oriented scheme to the table. Hoiberg’s offense involves a “pace-and-space” approach, which includes an emphasis on three point attempts, free throws, and shots at the rim, which are considered the most statistically efficient shots. The ‘Fro Bros of Rose and Butler are back in action after the latter was re-signed to a max contract. Rose’s injury history has been well-documented, but this marks the first time that Rose is heading into the season without having to rehab his knees in the offseason, which could be huge for his production since he plays significantly better when rested. – Josh

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Cleveland Cavaliers

2014-15 record: 53-29

2015-16 over/under: 56.5 wins

Ranking: 2nd (Josh) 3rd (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ LeBron James ★ Kyrie Irving ★ Kevin Love

Summary: Despite injuries to two of their star players, Irving and Love, the Cavs were still able to take a pair of games in the Finals thanks to the heroic efforts of LeBron James. After a slow start last year, the Cavs ended the regular season firing on all cylinders, posting a 20-7 record after the All-Star break. This season may see a similar pattern, as Irving is still recovering from his knee surgery and has no timetable to return. – Josh

Atlanta Hawks

2014-15 record: 60-22

2015-16 over/under: 50.0 wins

Ranking: 11th (Josh) 8th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Al Horford ★ Paul Millsap ★ Jeff Teague

Summary: Coming off an impressive 60-win campaign in the 2014-15 season, Atlanta looks to improve on last year’s success, with their sights set on winning a title. The Hawks are led by a balanced attack and one of the league’s best frontcourts, Horford and Millsap. The Hawks lost forward DeMarre Carroll in the offseason, but Horford and company will be able to win without Toronto’s new forward. Last season, Atlanta was swept by Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals. Although it would be a tough task, Atlanta has the depth to get revenge against them. -TJ

Miami Heat

2014-15 record: 37-45

2015-16 over/under: 47.0 wins

Ranking: 10th (Josh) 13th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Chris Bosh ★ Dwyane Wade ★ Hassan Whiteside

Summary: The Heat were plagued by the injury bug last year, as Bosh missed the second half of the season due to blood clots in his lungs, along with various ailments to other players. Miami’s projected starting five hasn’t played a single game as a unit yet, and it’ll be interesting to see how players like Goran Dragic and the emerging Whiteside fit in. The Heat played some of their best ball against LeBron and the Cavs last season and could be the ones to eliminate them from the playoffs.  – Josh

Washington Wizards

2014-15 record: 46-36

2015-16 over/under: 46.5 wins

Ranking: 12th (Josh) 10th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ John Wall ★ Bradley Beal ★ Marcin Gortat

Summary: The Wizards are another team looking to upset the Cavaliers in the East. After sweeping Toronto in the first round of last year’s playoffs, the Wizards fell in six games to the Hawks. Star point guard John Wall is the main attraction in D.C. with his incredible athleticism and playmaking ability evidenced by his 10 assists per game. Washington lost veteran Paul Pierce this offseason and will look to the rising star from Florida, Bradley Beal, to fill in. The veteran frontcourt of Marcin Gortat and Nene Hilario give the Wizards a good combination of young players and experienced veterans.  -TJ

Toronto Raptors

2014-15 record: 49-33

2015-16 over/under: 46.5 wins

Ranking: 13th (Josh) 12th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Kyle Lowry ★ DeMar DeRozan ★ Jonas Valanciunas

Summary: Toronto’s season didn’t exactly end as planned, as the Wizards came into the North and sent the Raptors running through the 6 with their woes, falling in just four games. Coach Dwane Casey has been given another chance to salvage his job and hopes that the acquisition of former Hawk DeMarre Carroll will help him do so. De facto preseason MVP Kyle Lowry looks like he could be primed for a big year after slimming down significantly in the offseason. – Josh

Milwaukee Bucks

2014-15 record: 41-41

2015-16 over/under: 45.0 wins

Ranking: 14th (Josh) 14th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Giannis Antetokounmpo ★ Jabari Parker ★ Greg Monroe

Summary: The Bucks’ 2014-15 campaign was a step in the right direction, as they increased their total win count by 26. Milwaukee boasts a young, talented roster, and they made some moves this offseason by re-signing Khris Middleton and bringing in Greg Monroe from Detroit. Oh, and they also get their number two overall pick from 2014, Jabari Parker, back from injury. Despite their upward trend, the Bucks are likely still a few years away from being legitimate title contenders, as they sported only an 11-18 record last season after trading guard Brandon Knight to Phoenix. – Josh

Boston Celtics

2014-15 record: 40-42

2015-16 over/under: 44.5 wins

Ranking: 21st (Josh) 18th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ David Lee ★ Isaiah Thomas ★ Kelly Olynyk

Summary: Last season, the Celtics snuck into the playoffs as the 7th seed in the East before getting swept in the first round by Cleveland. Boston is nearing the end of their rebuild after dumping a lot of veterans over the past few seasons. Young players like Marcus Smart and Olynyk are the headline of the rebuild. At age 36, Coach Brad Stevens is the youngest in the league. Stevens looks to build off last season and have this year’s team make strides towards completing the plan of getting Boston their 18th championship within the next few seasons. -TJ

Indiana Pacers

2014-15 record: 38-44

2015-16 over/under: 40.5 wins

Ranking: 19th (Josh) 19th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Paul George ★ George Hill ★ Monta Ellis

Summary: Paul George is back! Although the athletic superstar played in a few games last season, he was limited to a reserve role. PG-13 hopes to put his gruesome leg injury behind him and get his team back into the playoffs. The Pacers, meanwhile, have made some astounding changes to their roster, most notably trading away virtually all their bigs and shifting George into the PF position, hoping to embrace the “small-ball” trend. It has yet to be seen if it’ll work, but teams will certainly have to adjust their gameplans for this revolutionary style of basketball.  – Josh

Detroit Pistons

2014-15 record: 32-50

2015-16 over/under: 36.5 wins

Ranking: 20th (Josh) 25th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Andre Drummond ★ Reggie Jackson ★ Stanley Johnson

Summary: The Pistons appear to be headed in the right direction behind GM/coach Stan Van Gundy, who’s apparently trying to recreate his Magic team that went to the Finals six years ago. Detroit will be hoping that Drummond can take the next step to stardom after an impressive third season, averaging 13 points and 13 rebounds in only 30 minutes a game. Additions like Reggie Jackson, who was brought over from Oklahoma City, and rookie scoring machine Stanley Johnson might help Detroit reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009.  – Josh

Orlando Magic

2014-15 record: 25-57

2015-16 over/under: 34.5 wins

Ranking: 24th (Josh) 22nd (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Nikola Vucevic ★ Victor Oladipo ★ Elfrid Payton

Summary: The Magic are a young team on the rise that are still a few seasons away from making the playoffs. Although they likely won’t be in the playoffs this season, they are trending in the right direction. Orlando is led by the 25-year-old center from Switzerland, Vucevic. The Swiss center dominated the paint, racking up 45 double-doubles in 74 games. The rest of Orlando’s starting lineup includes a plentitude of young talent with an average age of 22.4 years old. Young players like Oladipo and Aaron Gordon could potentially turn the Magic’s franchise around after the Dwight Howard era came to an end in 2012.   -TJ

Charlotte Hornets

2014-15 record: 33-49

2015-16 over/under: 33.5 wins

Ranking: 22nd (Josh) 20th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Kemba Walker ★ Al Jefferson ★ Nicolas Batum

Summary: After making the playoffs in 2014, Charlotte missed the postseason last season. Led by low-post scoring from Al Jefferson and stifling defense, the Hornets look to get back in the postseason this year. The Hornets have been top 10 in defensive efficiency for the past two seasons. Starting small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is likely out for the season with a shoulder injury, which will be a huge loss, especially defensively. To fill in for Kidd-Gilchrist is the former Portland Trail Blazer, Nicolas Batum. The addition of Batum will assist Jefferson and Walker on the offensive end. Although I do not think they will make the playoffs, the Hornets are definitely in the playoff picture.  -TJ

New York Knicks

2014-15 record: 17-65

2015-16 over/under: 29.5 wins

Ranking: 18th (Josh) 26th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Carmelo Anthony ★ Kristaps Porzingis ★ Robin Lopez

Summary: Last season was a forgettable one for Knicks fans, who saw their team win a franchise-low 17 games. Melo was sidelined after the All-Star game for the rest of the season, and coach Derek Fisher was left with a team full of players who aren’t even on the roster anymore. The return of Anthony and additions of quality role players such as Arron Afflalo, Robin Lopez, and Derrick Williams may be enough to get the Knicks back in the playoff hunt.  – Josh

Brooklyn Nets

2014-15 record: 38-44

2015-16 over/under: 28.0 wins

Ranking: 28th (Josh) 28th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Joe Johnson ★ Brook Lopez ★ Thaddeus Young

Summary: If your over/under win prediction for the season is set at 28, all signs are pointing towards a long season. Even though the Nets made the playoffs last year, they likely won’t return to the postseason again. Brooklyn is in rebuild mode after getting rid of veteran point guard Deron Williams. The Nets bought out his salary in the offseason to clear cap space and begin the change of eras in Brooklyn. The Nets look to build their team around young players like the athletic forward from Arizona, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. The centerpiece of the Nets offense is Brook Lopez. When healthy, Lopez is a force to be reckoned with in the post, averaging 17.2 points per game last year. This season probably won’t end in a playoff berth for Brooklyn but it could be consequential for the Nets’ turnaround, depending on how well the young players play.  -TJ

Philadelphia 76ers

2014-15 record: 18-64

2015-16 over/under: 20.5 wins

Ranking: 30th (Josh) 30th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Jahlil Okafor ★ Nerlens Noel ★ Robert Covington

Summary: This will mark the third season of “The Process,” a controversial campaign led by GM Sam Hinkie, which consists of fielding a terrible roster in hopes of gaining more ping pong balls for the draft lottery. Hinkie is taking a calculated and patient approach to team building, but Philadelphia fans are going to be looking for results soon enough. For whatever your opinion on the tactic is, it’ll be apparent in a couple years if the plan worked or not when the Sixers’ young players have developed and will become impending free agents. – Josh

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Golden State Warriors

2014-15 record: 67-15

2015-16 over/under: 59.5 wins

Ranking: 1st (Josh) 2nd (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Stephen Curry ★ Klay Thompson ★ Draymond Green

Summary: Golden State is coming off one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory. The Warriors dominated the regular season, only losing 15 games all year. They then went on to win the NBA title in six games vs. LeBron and the mighty Cavaliers. Led by MVP Steph Curry, who averaged 23.8 points per game last year, the Warriors have a perfect combination of star power and depth. Finals MVP Andre Iguodala is a perfect example of how the Warriors were able to win. Stars Curry and Thompson led the Warriors far, but when needed, 6th man Iguodala stepped up and executed. Looking to defend their crown and repeat as champions, Golden State will need Curry to continue his dominance and have the rest of the team pick up where they left off. The Warriors are the favorites for the majority of experts to win the West. -TJ

Los Angeles Clippers

2014-15 record: 56-26

2015-16 over/under: 57.5 wins

Ranking: 4th (Josh) 5th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Chris Paul ★ Blake Griffin ★ DeAndre Jordan

Summary: After leading three games to one in the second round over the Rockets, the Clippers collapsed in historic fashion and ended up losing the series. A lot of blame was thrown around, but it was evident that the Clippers’ bench was the weakest link. To fix this issue, GM/coach Doc Rivers brought in veterans Paul Pierce, Josh Smith, and Lance Stephenson. This will be the fifth season of the Paul-Griffin-Jordan trio, and the star-studded Clippers will hope to put together a playoff run and make their way to the Finals for the first time in franchise history. – Josh

San Antonio Spurs

2014-15 record: 55-27

2015-16 over/under: 57.0 wins

Ranking: 6th (Josh) 1st (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ LaMarcus Aldridge ★ Kawhi Leonard ★ Tim Duncan

Summary: After signing All-Star Aldridge in the offseason, the Spurs are primed for another title run. Aldridge has averaged at least 21 points and 8 rebounds per game for each of the last 5 seasons, as he looks to lead his new team to his first title and San Antonio’s 6th as a franchise. The acquisition of Aldridge gives the Spurs an elite scorer that San Antonio can run their offense through. Veterans Tony Parker, Duncan, and Manu Ginobili are nearing the end of their careers, but they will still be vital to the Spurs’ success. Heading into his 20th season Coach Gregg Popovich has a career regular season record of 1,022-470 and has been the head coach for all five of the Spurs, titles. Young two-way star Leonard was the Finals MVP in 2014 and looks to continue his rise to stardom after winning the 2014-15 defensive player of the year award. With the combination of Leonard and Aldridge, along with great coaching and depth, the Spurs are my pick to win the championship. -TJ

Oklahoma City Thunder

2014-15 record: 45-37

2015-16 over/under: 57.0 wins

Ranking: 5th (Josh) 7th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Kevin Durant ★ Russell Westbrook ★ Serge Ibaka

Summary: When OKC made the Finals back in 2012 with their extremely young core, it looked like a potential dynasty was brewing. Yet, after one James Harden trade and several key injuries every season, the Thunder have yet to return to the big stage. Durant was nagged by a foot injury last year and failed to build upon his MVP-winning season. However, Westbrook exploded in his absence and led the league in scoring with his 28 points a night. The upcoming season will be huge for the Thunder’s future, as Durant is an impending free agent and might take off if they don’t make a push for the championship.  – Josh

Houston Rockets

2014-15 record: 56-26

2015-16 over/under: 56.0 wins

Ranking: 3rd (Josh) 4th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ James Harden ★ Dwight Howard ★ Ty Lawson

Summary:  Heading into his 5th season as the Rockets coach, Kevin McHale has one of the most talented rosters in the league, headlined by superstar shooting guard James Harden, one of the elite scorers in the league. Harden averaged 27.4 points per game last year as he finished 2nd in MVP voting. Harden gets to the line better than any player in the league. He led the league with 715 free throw attempts, while second place had 654 attempts. Harden shot 89 percent from the stripe last season and 44 percent from the field. He has a great jump shot and can attack the rim at an elite level. Harden’s supporting cast includes 8-time all-star Dwight Howard and offseason acquisition, Ty Lawson. The race for the West will be exciting with the Rockets, Warriors, Spurs, and Clippers all in contention for the title.  -TJ

Memphis Grizzlies

2014-15 record: 55-27

2015-16 over/under: 51.0 wins

Ranking: 8th (Josh) 9th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Marc Gasol ★ Mike Conley ★ Zach Randolph

Summary: Similar to Atlanta, the Grizzlies are one of the best all-around teams in the league. Conley is a top 10 point guard and Randolph and Gasol make up one of the best frontcourts in the league. Off the bench is Tony Allen, one of the best defensive players in the league. Over the past three seasons, the Grizzlies have been consistently one of the best teams in the league. Year in and year out, they fly under the radar. This season, they are a common sleeper pick to have an underdog story and win the title.   -TJ

New Orleans Pelicans

2014-15 record: 45-37

2015-16 over/under: 48.0 wins

Ranking: 9th (Josh) 11th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Anthony Davis ★ Tyreke Evans ★ Jrue Holiday

Summary: There just aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe how sensational Anthony Davis is at basketball. The 22-year-old superstar got his first taste of playoff basketball last season and excelled, posting an impressive 31 points per game and a 28.5 PER, which led the league. Davis has apparently improved even more in the offseason; he’s bulked up, improved his playmaking, and even added a three-point shot to his arsenal. The Pelicans will go as far as The Brow takes them, and that could be a pretty long distance.  – Josh

Utah Jazz

2014-15 record: 38-44

2015-16 over/under: 42.5 wins

Ranking: 16th (Josh) 17th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Gordon Hayward ★ Derrick Favors ★ Rudy Gobert

Summary: The Jazz were a defensive juggernaut in 2015, posting a league-leading 94.8 defensive rating after the All-Star break, which was followed up by a 19-10 record. Center Rudy Gobert, also known as the Stifle Tower, protects the rim and alters opponents’ shots at an elite level. The point guard position leaves a lot to be desired, however, especially after the second-year pro Dante Exum tore his ACL in the summer. Utah’s chance of making the postseason depends on if the Hayward-Favors-Gobert frontcourt can carry them there.  – Josh

Phoenix Suns

2014-15 record: 39-43

2015-16 over/under: 37.0 wins

Ranking: 15th (Josh) 16th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Tyson Chandler ★ Eric Bledsoe ★ Markieff Morris

Summary: 25-year-old Bledsoe looks to lead the Suns back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season. Bledsoe is a good finisher at the rim and averaged 17 points per game last season with a 44.7 percent field goal percentage. His superb quickness helps him at both ends. Key offseason addition Tyson Chandler is one of the league’s best rim protectors and rebounders, and excels at finishing alley-oops. Even though I think the Suns will barely miss the postseason, the combination of Bledsoe and Chandler might be enough to get the Suns back into the playoffs. -TJ

Dallas Mavericks

2014-15 record: 50-32

2015-16 over/under: 36.5 wins

Ranking: 23rd (Josh) 15th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Dirk Nowitzki ★ Wesley Matthews ★ Chandler Parsons

Summary: The Mavericks and owner Mark Cuban had one of the craziest offseasons in the NBA, as they lost Rajon Rondo, Monta Ellis, and Tyson Chandler. They almost signed star center DeAndre Jordan, but he made a last-minute change and re-signed with the Clippers. The Mavericks also added veteran guards Deron Williams and Matthews. Matthews is coming off an achilles injury that he suffered last season while playing for the Trail Blazers. The team will be centered around Matthews, and Parsons, who both averaged 15 points per games in 2014-15. The Dirk era is about to come to an end in Dallas. The 37-year-old legend’s contract is about to expire, as Nowitzki has a player option for the 2016-17 season. After the large amount of change in the offseason, the Mavericks will try to sneak in the playoffs as a 7 or 8 seed. -TJ

Sacramento Kings

2014-15 record: 29-53

2015-16 over/under: 35.0 wins

Ranking: 17th (Josh) 21st (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ DeMarcus Cousins ★ Rudy Gay ★ Rajon Rondo

Summary: Another year, another mediocre season for Sacramento. The Kings have been stuck in the 20-win range for six consecutive seasons and have not made the playoffs since 2006. DeMarcus Cousins is a beast in the paint and continues to post outstanding numbers, but he hasn’t had much help around him. The Kings are rolling the dice on Rajon Rondo, who had a steep dropoff in production last year. Coach George Karl will be hoping that Rondo’s playmaking ability will elevate his players to another level and crack the postseason wall.  – Josh

Los Angeles Lakers

2014-15 record: 21-61

2015-16 over/under: 28.5 wins

Ranking: 27th (Josh) 24th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Kobe Bryant ★ D’Angelo Russell ★ Nick Young

Summary: Similar to the Mavericks, the Lakers are also in an era change. The marvelous career of Bryant is nearing an end, and young, talented players look to take over in Los Angeles. Youngsters like D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle headline the vastly-changing Lakers roster. Russell was drafted second overall out of Ohio State and is a candidate for rookie of the year. The Lakers had an awful season last year, with only 21 wins, and this year might only see a little improvement. The Lakers added Roy Hibbert and Louis Williams this offseason, but they are still a few years of draft picks and offseason additions away from regaining their dominant form atop of the West. -TJ

Minnesota Timberwolves

2014-15 record: 16-66

2015-16 over/under: 28.0 wins

Ranking: 29th (Josh) 27th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Andrew Wiggins ★ Karl-Anthony Towns ★ Ricky Rubio

Summary: After the tragic death of coach Flip Saunders, Minnesota is coming off a miserable 16-win season. The Wolves are ready to begin their franchise’s turnaround. Minnesota drafted the 19-year-old phenom from Kentucky, Karl-Anthony Towns, with the 1st overall pick. Towns can score in a multitude of ways and plays stellar defense. Along with Towns, the Timberwolves also have the defending rookie of the year, Andrew Wiggins, who averaged 16.9 points per game in his award-winning campaign. With their plentitude of young talent, the Timberwolves are only a few years away from being a playoff contender.  -TJ

Portland Trail Blazers

2014-15 record: 51-31

2015-16 over/under: 27.5 wins

Ranking: 25th (Josh) 23rd (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Damian Lillard ★ CJ McCollum ★ Meyers Leonard

Summary: It was an offseason to forget for Blazers fans, who saw their team lose four of their five starters, including star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers did, however, bring in some young talent, as GM Neil Olshey managed to snag players like Al-Farouq Aminu and Ed Davis to team-friendly deals. Damian Lillard is still here, too, and he could put up some crazy numbers as the only true scoring option next to CJ McCollum. Expect Portland’s win count to cut almost in half and for them to be vying for a better draft position. – Josh

Denver Nuggets

2014-15 record: 30-52

2015-16 over/under: 27.5 wins

Ranking: 26th (Josh) 29th (TJ)

Players to watch out for: ★ Emmanuel Mudiay ★ Kenneth Faried ★ Wilson Chandler

Summary: Number 7 overall pick Emmanuel Mudiay is the future of the Nuggets. Mudiay is one of the most talented rookies in the league, as he has great speed and court vision and averaged 18 points per game playing in China. Mudiay is taking over the starting role from Ty Lawson, who they traded to Houston. Chandler and Faried are talented players who have proven their worth over the past few seasons. Chandler averaged 13.9 points and 6 rebounds per game, and Faried averaged 12.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season. The trio of Mudiay and veterans Chandler and Faried is intriguing, but the Nuggets will likely miss out on the playoffs.  -TJ

PREDICTIONS