The 2016-2017 NBA season kicks off on Tuesday, October 25 with the Knicks and Cavaliers, Jazz and Trail Blazers, and Spurs and Warriors facing off in what is building up to be a dramatic season. The Cavs are coming off their first championship in team history as stars Kyrie Irving and LeBron James look to defend their title against the Derrick Rose led Knicks. The Knicks added Rose, Joakim Noah, Brandon Jennings, and Courtney Lee to team with the existing core of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.

The Trail Blazers return with the fantastic backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum while adding veterans Evan Turner, Festus Ezeli, and retaining bench player Allen Crabbe on a 75 million dollar deal. They play the Jazz, who added former Hawks star Joe Johnson, former Spurs forward Boris Diaw, and former Pacers point guard George Hill to their young team consisting of the core of Rudy Gobert and Gordon Hayward.

The Jazz look to make a splash in the western conference dominated by the Warriors who had the greatest single season record in NBA history and added Kevin Durant, a top five player in the league. Durant looks to help build a Warriors dynasty built by coach Steve Kerr and stars Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green and protect the team from blowing another 3-1 lead in the Finals. They face the Spurs who bring back coach Greg Popovich for his 20th consecutive year and the aging core of LaMarcus Aldridge, Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker, as well as two-time Defensive Player of the Year Award winner, Kawhi Leonard.

This first slate of games should give fans an idea of how LeBron responds to increased pressure to bring another title to Cleveland, how young teams like the Jazz and Trail Blazers impact the race in the west, and how much chemistry Durant has already developed with his new Warriors teammates in what is sure to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.