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Rebuilding Jazz have scoring to contend in West, but defense and depth could hold them back

Rebuilding Jazz have scoring to contend in West, but defense and depth could hold them back

UTAH JAZZ Last season: 37-45, did not qualify for the playoffs. Coach: Will Hardy, second season with the Jazz (37-45 overall).
With tons of youth and almost everybody back, Magic eyeing shot at NBA playoffs

With tons of youth and almost everybody back, Magic eyeing shot at NBA playoffs

ORLANDO MAGIC Last season: 34-48, missed playoffs. Coach: Jamahl Mosley (3rd season, 56-108).
East champion Heat will try to rekindle that playoff magic in '23-24

East champion Heat will try to rekindle that playoff magic in '23-24

MIAMI HEAT Last season: 44-38, lost to Denver in NBA Finals. Coach: Erik Spoelstra (16th season, 704-491).
After trading Beal and Porzingis, the Wizards face a tough road back to respectability

After trading Beal and Porzingis, the Wizards face a tough road back to respectability

WASHINGTON WIZARDS Last season: 35-47, missed playoffs. Coach: Wes Unseld, Jr. (3rd season, 70-94) What to expect: Another season outside the playoffs, with possibly one of the worst records in the league.
Cavaliers have Mitchell, young core looking to build on promising season ended by playoff failure

Cavaliers have Mitchell, young core looking to build on promising season ended by playoff failure

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS Last season: 51-31, reached Eastern Conference playoffs, lost to New York Knicks in first round. Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (fifth season with Cavaliers, 122-125; ninth season overall, 207-256).
Jokic and the Nuggets gear up for road ahead as they try to defend their NBA title

Jokic and the Nuggets gear up for road ahead as they try to defend their NBA title

DENVER NUGGETS Last season: 53-29, won the first NBA title in franchise history.
Kings look to build on last season's playoff return and win in the postseason

Kings look to build on last season's playoff return and win in the postseason

SACRAMENTO KINGS Last season: 48-34, lost in Western Conference first round. Coach: Mike Brown (2nd season with Kings, 48-34; 10th season overall, 395-250).
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors set their sights on another title with addition of Chris Paul

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors set their sights on another title with addition of Chris Paul

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS Last season: 44-38.
Philadelphia 76ers count on MVP Joel Embiid, new coach as season arrives marred by Harden turmoil

Philadelphia 76ers count on MVP Joel Embiid, new coach as season arrives marred by Harden turmoil

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS Last season: 54-28, reached Eastern Conference semifinals. Coach: Nick Nurse (1st season with 76ers; 6th season overall, 277-163). What to expect: Headaches. The 76ers again reign as Team Turmoil.
Wembanyama already setting a tone for his rookie NBA season with the Spurs

Wembanyama already setting a tone for his rookie NBA season with the Spurs

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama’s first win of his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs came with no fans present, no referees around and didn’t even require the use of a basketball. It was, of all things, an art contest.