With the Cavaliers and Warriors odds on favorites to meet in the NBA Finals, many have asked: “Why even watch this year?” That is a fair question, but also a shortsighted one. Every team offers a reason to watch their games, even if it isn't plainly obvious. From teams waiting for one break to be contenders to young players coming into their own to new faces in new places, there are all sorts of reasons to watch the NBA this year. Below is at least one reason you should give each team a look this year. 

Atlanta – Dwight Howard’s homecoming to Atlanta should be interesting. Sure he’s prickly at times, but he’s still a top tier defender and rebounder. Also, Dennis Schroder’s transition to becoming a fulltime starter is worth monitoring, especially since he’s due a new contract. And keep an eye on Malcolm Delaney off the bench behind Schroder. 

Boston – The Celtics have amassed a deep team and added Al Horford to the mix. They play a fun up tempo style and defend like crazy. Brad Stevens’ after timeout plays are a thing of beauty. Oh, and they might be next up in the Eastern Conference if something happens to Cleveland.

Brooklyn – Brook Lopez and Jeremy Lin form the Brook-Lin combo that will lead the Nets this year. Lin will be unleashed in a way we haven’t seen since the height of Linsanity a few years ago. They’ll also mix and match youngsters and reclamation projects all year long to find the best fits going forward. The Nets won’t be good, but they will at least be watchable. 

Charlotte – The Hornets have built a team that should be among the best defensive squads in the NBA. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is back and watching him frustrate even the best perimeter players is always fun. Kemba Walker is a threat to go for 40 on any given night.

Chicago – How can you not watch Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo? The spacing will be awful. The defense might be questionable. But watching Fred Hoiberg trying to figure out how to fit those three strong personalities together should be great theater. If the Bulls can figure out a way to get some sort of consistent shooting, they might even be a solid team too. 

Cleveland – The champs (that still feels weird to see!) may be in coast mode for a large chunk of the regular season. But they still have LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Rumors are percolating that James is motivated to prove he’s still the best player in the league as well. A motivated King James on a nightly basis? 

Dallas – Rick Carlisle will always put together a solid scheme to put points on the board. Dirk Nowitzki is still getting it done, even at his advanced age. Harrison Barnes gets some freedom to step up his production for the first time in his career. And the Mavericks will play all sorts of funky lineups with multiple guards that will have opponents chasing them all over the floor.

Denver – The Nuggets have arguably the deepest crop of viable NBA players in the league. They range from veterans to hungry youngsters. They’ll take advantage of the altitude and will play a fun to watch fast paced style. And there is always the chance they cash in some chips to bring in a superstar player. 

Detroit – Reggie Jackson’s injury hurts for sure, but the Pistons are still a playoff team in the Eastern Conference. Andre Drummond could grab 25-30 rebounds some nights, while finishing multiple alley-oops from Ish Smith. And Stan Van Gundy and all his sideline histrionics are still in the Motor City. That alone is worth checking out a Detroit game. And they have Boban! He’s always fun to watch whenever he hits the floor.

Golden State – They have four of the top players in the entire league on the same team, all of whom complement each other very well. They could score 100 points in a half one night and hit 35 three pointers the next.

Houston – The Rockets are all in on Mike D’Antoni’s offensive system. James Harden might score 30 PPG and average over 7 APG. Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson provide plenty of shooting and spacing to make the system work. Houston might be terrible defensively, but their games should be entertaining to watch because of the style and pace.

Indiana – Paul George is still around and he has Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young as new running mates this year. Nate McMillan is promising to play at a faster pace and push the ball. Myles Turner is continuing to develop in his second year. If it all comes together, Indiana could push Cleveland in the East.

LA Clippers – The Clippers are running back the same core, but with new reinforcements off the bench. Blake Griffin is healthy again and looking to prove he’s still a top 10 player in the league. Chris Paul is still running things from the point guard spot. This might be the Clips last chance to prove they are contenders; otherwise they might be broken up.

LA Lakers – Kobe Bryant has retired, but that might be for the best at this point. Luke Walton will have the Lakers playing back to their Showtime roots. D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle are the future in LA.

Memphis – The Grizzlies are running the “Grit ‘n Grind” group back at least one more time. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are both healthy again. Chandler Parsons gives them the secondary playmaker and shooter they have been looking for. And when things slow down, in comes Zach Randolph off the bench to dominate second units inside. Memphis is still gritty and will grind their way back to the playoffs once again. 

Miami – Dwyane Wade isn’t around anymore and Chris Bosh can’t play. But the Heat are still a fun bunch. Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside will form a good pick and roll duo. Dion Waiters will play a big role after looking great for the Thunder in the playoffs. Justise Winslow is just starting to tap into his vast potential.

Milwaukee – Khris Middleton’s injury robs us of what might have been everyone’s secret League Pass team. Giannis Antetokounmpo will do a lot of everything for the Bucks. He’ll score, pass, rebound and defend; sometimes from all five positions in the same game. Jabari Parker is on the verge of busting out and turning into a 20 PPG scorer. Matthew Dellavedova is always up to stuff at the point guard spot. The future might be theirs, but the present isn’t bad either. 

Minnesota – Now for a team everyone is excited about and for good reason. Minnesota will be everyone’s second League Pass team, after whoever their favorite team is. Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio will put on a show most nights. The difference is that this group is now ready to start winning as well. Tom Thibodeau will have them defending at a high level.

New Orleans – After an injury ravaged season, the Pelicans are back for more. Unfortunately they once again don’t have their full squad with Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday out to start the season. But they still have Anthony Davis and that is reason enough to tune in most nights. He’s so good at just about everything that you want to see what he does next. And Buddy Hield’s progress will be fun to monitor too.

New York – Carmelo Anthony remains an elite scorer. Derrick Rose is still fun to watch for as long as he’s healthy and attacking the rim. Joakim Noah will draw the ire of his opponents and their fans, while being praised by basketball purists for playing the right way. Oh, and they have Kristaps Porzingis.

Oklahoma City – Will Russell Westbrook unleash hell on the league after being slighted by his longtime running mate? Can he win the scoring title, while also averaging a triple double? How does he mesh with Victor Oladipo? Can Domantas Sabonis’ old school game help replace a little bit of Serge Ibaka and a little bit of Kevin Durant?

Orlando – The Magic have been somewhat of an afterthought since trading Dwight Howard. They haven’t been very good or entertaining. That starts to change this year. Aaron Gordon is one of the most exciting young players in the league and Orlando is going to feature him a lot this year. The defense should be elite with the additions of Frank Vogel, Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo. They might play a lot of 85-83 games, but close games are always fun to watch, especially in the fourth quarter. After several down years, having a chance to win nightly is all you can ask for.

Philadelphia – We have trusted the process and now it is ready to deliver. Well… sort of. Ben Simmons’ injury is a bummer, but fingers crossed he’ll be back soon. However, Joel Embiid will take the floor for the first time ever in a real game After two full years, everyone is excited for that. Dario Saric will also make his much anticipated debut as well. The 76ers have a trade to make in there somewhere too.

Phoenix – If all breaks right, the Suns could be in the mix for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have a nice mix of veterans and youth. It is an odd numbered season, so Eric Bledsoe should be healthy. Devin Booker is ready to be a breakout star and Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender could join him. Even if Phoenix isn’t good W-L wise, they have plenty of talent to monitor.

Portland – The Trail Blazers were far better than anyone could have anticipated last season. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are among the best backcourts in the game. They have a deep and versatile frontcourt. Evan Turner’s old school mid-range game joins the fold this year. The fans always bring a ton of energy. The Blazers are a welcomed sight in that late night TV window.

Sacramento – The Nth year of the Kings’ rebuild takes place this year, but with some optimism. Rudy Gay doesn’t want to be there, but everyone else does. DeMarcus Cousins seems happy and motivated. He reportedly learned a lot from his Olympics experience and is ready to bring it to Sacramento with him. They like their new coach, Dave Joerger. It is still a somewhat hap hazard roster, but the Kings are always worth a look.

San Antonio – Tim Duncan has retired and his absence will feel strange. Kawhi Leonard is a superstar, who has proven he’s far more than just a defender. LaMarcus Aldridge can still get you 20 every night. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili’s crafty games are joined by another savvy veteran in Pau Gasol. Gregg Popovich will sit guys seemingly on a whim and play some odd lineup combos, but the Spurs always get the best out of every player on the roster.

Toronto – The Raptors play for each other more than any other team in the league. Their chemistry is incredible. They feed off one of the best home crowds in the entire league. Kyle Lowry is a warrior and won’t back down from anyone. Jonas Valanciunas continues to improve. Jared Sullinger being out hurts them, but that will give their young bigs a push to play right away.

Utah – After years of saying “next year”, the Jazz are finally here. They’ve built their core of Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, Rodney Hood and Alec Burks. And now they’ve supplemented them with George Hill, Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw. Dante Exum is also back and looking like the exciting prospect we all hoped he would be. 

Washington – John Wall still puts on a show nightly with his mad dashes from end to end. Bradley Beal is healthy to start the year and remains one of the best shooters in the league. Scott Brooks should have the team playing more cohesively and defending better, after Randy Wittman lost the squad last year. They also have a full year of Markieff Morris and he seems happy and motivated to prove he’s still a good player. And Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre are both making strides as well.