POWER RANKINGS

Two months later than usual, and after an expedited preseason, the NBA is set to tip off Tuesday night. Here’s how the power rankings shake out entering the season opener:

1. LAKERS: LeBron James, Anthony Davis and a strong offseason? Run it back.

2. BUCKS: Giannis Antetokounmpo is locked in, but will his supporting cast be enough?

3. CLIPPERS: The talent is there, but the chemistry needs some work.

4. NETS: The Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving partnership is finally in action.

5. HEAT: Trying to prove their NBA Finals appearance was no fluke.

6. CELTICS: They’ve been close, but need young stars to take another step.

7. NUGGETS: Back for more after reaching the Western Conference finals.

8. RAPTORS: “We The North” takes a detour to Tampa.

9. 76ERS: Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are great. Embiid and James Harden would be game-changing.

10. MAVERICKS: The Luka Doncic Show could be even better in Season 3.

11. WARRIORS: Can Steph Curry and Draymond Green do it without Klay Thompson?

12. TRAIL BLAZERS: Strong offseason could give Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum a shot.

13. JAZZ: In case there was any question, this is now Donovan Mitchell’s team.

14. SUNS: Chris Paul joining Devin Booker and Co. could be fun.

15. ROCKETS: Russell Westbrook is gone (for John Wall), but Harden could be next.

16. PACERS: They have a solid nucleus as long as Victor Oladipo stays around.

17. PELICANS: What can they do with a healthy Zion Williamson from the start?

18. HAWKS: Perhaps the most improved team after an active offseason.

19. WIZARDS: How will the WestbrookBradley Beal backcourt work out?

20. GRIZZLIES: Ja Morant is running the show with a year under his belt.

21. SPURS: Can Gregg Popovich work his magic on a largely unheralded group?

22. MAGIC: Time will tell what kind of a difference-maker Cole Anthony can be.

23. TIMBERWOLVES: No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards needs a nickname to match KAT and DLo.

24. KINGS: Still rebuilding but a strong backcourt is a good place to start.

25. HORNETS: The arrival of LaMelo Ball and an already injured Gordon Hayward should be fun.

26. BULLS: Time to let Billy Donovan go to work with a young roster.

27. PISTONS: Too many big men, not enough rebounds to go around.

28. KNICKS: Tom Thibodeau wants a star, but the wait continues.

29. THUNDER: Future draft picks mean present struggles.

30. CAVALIERS: Their rebuild through lottery picks should continue.