The NBA returns with three matchups featuring six teams that believe they can compete for a championship. But this isn't a level playing field when it comes to expectations.
For some, this season is about redemption. For others, it's about reclaiming their position, defending a title or proving they can lead a franchise without a familiar superstar alongside them.
And then there's Philadelphia, where anything short of a championship could be viewed as failure.
GAME 1 | Celtics at Pistons
BOSTON: THE PRESSURE COOKER
Jayson Tatum now finds himself in a situation similar to Jaylen Brown's last season. With Brown gone, Tatum becomes the unquestioned face of Boston's championship ambitions.
Every Celtics success or failure will reflect more heavily on him. He has an opportunity to demonstrate what this franchise can accomplish under his leadership in its new era.
DETROIT: REDEMPTION
Last season's Eastern Conference top seed wants more than another impressive regular season.
For Jalen Duren, this is personal. Detroit's playoff disappointment provides another opportunity to show that he can be a major contributor to a championship team, not simply an excellent regular-season player.
GAME 2 | 76ers at Knicks
PHILADELPHIA: CHAMPIONSHIP OR BUST
The 76ers enter the season with the greatest external pressure of the six teams.
With LeBron James and Jaylen Brown providing five combined championships and five Finals MVP awards, this team has the veteran leadership necessary to withstand the media scrutiny.
But every game will be dissected. The expectations are enormous, and the championship clock starts tonight.
NEW YORK: THE REPEAT
The Knicks finally ended their 53-year championship drought. Now comes an entirely different challenge.
They're no longer chasing the champions. They're defending the championship.
Jalen Brunson and company want to establish that 2026 wasn't an isolated triumph but the beginning of another championship run.
GAME 3 | Thunder at Spurs
OKLAHOMA CITY: RECLAMATION
The Thunder watched San Antonio take their Western Conference crown in seven games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company aren't merely looking to return to the Western Conference Finals. They want to reclaim their position atop the conference and capture another NBA championship.
SAN ANTONIO: REDEMPTION
The Spurs have unfinished business.
San Antonio lost the 2026 Finals in five games despite holding double-digit leads in every contest. Its 29-point blown lead in Game 4 was particularly devastating.
The Spurs proved they have the talent to reach the NBA Finals. Now Victor Wembanyama and company must demonstrate they have the composure to finish the job.
Their redemption tour begins against the very team they dethroned in May.
