AP Images/Ringer illustration The NBA is back, and so are the takes. Here are our favorite players, Finals predictions, biggest zags, and fake trades to get you ready for another season. Basketball is back! Time to say goodbye to your families and make watching League Pass your new bedtime routine. To celebrate Tuesday's opening night, the Ringer NBA staff has gathered to offer some predictions and favorite story lines for the 2024-25 regular season. Which players and teams are worth your time? Which stars could get traded? And what two teams will end up playing for the Larry O'Brien trophy in June? Check out our takes below and let the games begin. Who is the most interesting team heading into 2024-25? Rob Mahoney: Philadelphia 76ers. The on-paper Sixers look like the best, most complete team of Joel Embiid's career, with the irrepressible center right in the middle of his playing prime. I can't wait to see how it all blends together: what heights Tyrese Maxey can reach, how Paul George picks his spots, how many times Guerschon Yabusele can dunk on LeBron. But really, I can't wait to see how it all holds up and whether Joel can get an honest-to-goodness chance to run the playoff...