Every NBA season brings surprise and drama. The 2021-22 campaign will be no different.
Will the Chicago Bulls' offseason additions of Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan fit alongside Zach LaVine to help elevate a franchise back into contender status?
Will the drama of potential Ben Simmons trade scenarios derail the Philadelphia 76ers' season, or will Joel Embiid make another run at MVP and lead his team back into championship contention?
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on both coasts and the biggest stars. Can LeBron James add a fifth ring to his collection while helping Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony get their first? Will James Harden join his big three teammates as a title winner?
Our expert panel is predicting who will take home the honor of being Team Turnaround and Team Turmoil this season, along with the championship futures of the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.
NBA forecast: East records | West records | Award and title picks
Team Turnaround: Watch for a sudden rise
Our Team Turnaround prediction is simple. Which team is poised to bounce back or improve the most in 2021-22?
The Golden State Warriors, who won their last title in 2018, top this list as their Big Three of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson look to reunite back on the court later this season. The Miami Heat, finalists from two seasons ago, come in second as new additions Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker look to put South Beach back in the championship contender spotlight.
1. Golden State Warriors: 39 points (30.0% first-place votes)
2. Miami Heat: 26 points (10.0% first-place votes)
3. Chicago Bulls: 21 points (20.0% first-place votes)
4. Boston Celtics: 17 points (10.0% first-place votes)
5. Los Angeles Lakers: 15 points (5.0% first-place votes)
6. Toronto Raptors: 14 points (5.0% first-place votes)
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: 12 points (10.0% first-place votes)
8. Indiana Pacers: 10 points (5.0% first-place votes)
9. Charlotte Hornets: 6 points (5.0% first-place votes)
Team Turmoil: Where drama looms
The Philadelphia 76ers earn the top spot for Team Turmoil, as our experts predict which teams will be surrounded by the most drama this season. While the Ben Simmons saga lingers in Philly, the Lakers could share in the dramatics, as head coach Frank Vogel will have to incorporate former MVP Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony along with five former Laker alums.
1. Philadelphia 76ers: 61 points (55.0% first-place votes)
2. Los Angeles Lakers: 27 points (10.0% first-place votes)
3. Chicago Bulls: 17 points (10.0% first-place votes)
4. LA Clippers: 16 points (10.0% first-place votes)
5. New Orleans Pelicans: 15 points
6. Portland Trail Blazers: 14 points (10.0% first-place votes)
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: 9 points (5.0% first-place votes)
How many more titles for the Lakers with LeBron on the roster?
LeBron James enters his 19th season in the NBA while aiming for his fifth NBA championship. Can King James bring an 18th title banner to Staples Center? Our panel likes his odds.
Note: James is signed with the Lakers through the 2022-23 season.
Zero: 15%
One: 85%
How many titles for the Nets with KD, Harden and Kyrie on the roster?
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have won titles in previous stops, but will they be able to win a title for James Harden and the Nets? Our panel's vote projects the stars to align at least once for Brooklyn's Big Three.
Note: Durant is signed with the Nets through the 2025-26 season; Harden and Irving are each signed through 2021-22 with player options for 2022-23.
Zero: 5%
One: 70%
Two: 25%
What team is Ben Simmons on when the NBA opens its 2021-22 season?
Ben Simmons trade buzz has been one of the offseason's hottest storylines, but president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and the 76ers have yet to pull the trigger in a deal involving the 25-year-old three-time All-Star. Will the Aussie wear the 76ers' red, white and blue to start the season?
By a wide margin, our panel's vote projects Simmons to remain in Philly -- at least until the season tips off on Oct. 19.
1. Philadelphia 76ers: 45%
T-2. Portland Trail Blazers: 15%
T-2. Sacramento Kings: 15%
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: 10%
T-5. Chicago Bulls: 5%
T-5. Orlando Magic: 5%
T-5. New Orleans Pelicans: 5%