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HEAT HOPE FOR FEWER INJURIES: After losing LeBron James to Cleveland, Miami went 37-45 and missed the playoffs last season. Injuries were a big factor: Dwyane Wade missed 20 games, and Chris Bosh saw his season end early because of blood clots. If healthy, Miami should challenge in the East this season.
BULLS LOOK FOR STAMPEDE TO SUCCESS: Chicago hopes new Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg and his fast-paced offense will make all the difference. The Bulls fired Tom Thibodeau after a falling-out with management. Hoiberg, a former Bulls player, led his alma mater Iowa State to back-to-back Big 12 tournament championships. The Bulls’ success still largely hinges on Derrick Rose’s ability to stay healthy, and he’s recovering from a broken orbital bone — his latest of many issues.
HAWKS TRY TO FLY HIGH AGAIN: Atlanta can play big with Tiago Splitter, Al Horford and Paul Millsap on their front line, but it will be a tough task for the Hawks to match the first 60-win season in franchise history, one that included a 33-2 run. They re-signed Millsap, but DeMarre Carroll, who went to Toronto as a free agent, is a significant loss on both ends of the floor. They appear set to take a committee approach in replacing him at small forward.
RAPTORS HOPE CARROLL CAN CARRY THEM: After getting swept out of the first round of the playoffs, coach Dwane Casey knew he needed to stiffen the defensive spine of his team. In free agent DeMarre Carroll, the Raptors didn’t just get a defensive jolt, but an offensive one, too. “He’s an excellent 3-point shooter as well as an elite defender, and that’s rare to find in this league,” Casey said.
WIZARDS TRY TO FIND SOME MAGIC: With a strong backcourt in John Wall and Bradley Beal, and plans to play plenty of fast-paced “small ball,” the Wizards are aiming for a third consecutive trip to the playoffs. But the big question is: With Paul Pierce gone to the Clippers as a free agent, who will take all the pivotal last-second shots?
CELTICS SEEK ANOTHER SURGE: Boston added 15 wins to its total from 2013-14, finishing the regular season on a 15-6 tear. Since an NBA-record 17th league title in 2008, the Celtics had regressed five times in six seasons before returning to the playoffs. David Lee will be a needed veteran voice as Boston tries to get back into the mix.