1. Can the Heat repeat? Miami brought back the core of the 2012 title team along with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Remember what happened in 2007 when the defending champion Heat were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs because they were so inconsistent. Can LeBron encourage his teammates to end the banquet circuit?

2. Will the Lakers return to the Finals with Nash and Howard? General manager Mitch Kupchak nabbed Howard and Nash through trade to capitalize on Kobe Bryant’s remaining years. The team is unquestionably interesting but has no productive bench. Can Kobe still lead the league in scoring despite his advanced age and responsibility?