Breathe a deep sigh of relief, basketball fans: The NBA is back. And while every year offers intrigue in its own forms, this year is particularly interesting. From a Western Conference that runs as deep as the Mariana Trench to playoff-bound teams like the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder betting hard on coaches with no NBA experience, it's hard to know what to expect -- and that's all the more reason to tune in.

We do know one thing: Cleveland is still without a ring, and as desperate as ever to claim one for themselves. Meanwhile, is a rival to LeBron's throne ready to rise in New Orleans? There's only one way to find out: Let the games begin.

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