Opening week is always a time for optimism, but only a handful of teams enter this NBA season with a realistic path to the Finals. Most front offices spent the summer either consolidating around a star or retooling for the future.
The favourites share a few traits: two-way wings, a reliable half-court creator and enough depth to survive the regular season without wearing down their stars.
Injuries remain the great unknown. Several contenders are built around players who missed significant time last season, and their title odds will move with every status report.
By the trade deadline the picture will be clearer. For now, the race for the 2027 championship looks as open as it has in years.