A little shot at the Cavs taken during the season-opening broadcast, perhaps?

But at least one person is holding out hope that Detroit already has everything it needs to not only take a step forward, but power all the way through to the NBA Finals. "I'm going with my guys," Pistons legend Richard Hamilton told FTW.

Preseason speculation hardly ever means anything. Consider last year, when the NBA season opened with the New York Knicks not even favored to win the Eastern Conference and the San Antonio Spurs having the 17th-best odds of winning a title.

NBA scouts and an executive outline what the Rockets need to reach the Finals: further player growth, good health, favorable breaks or a major trade

Spurs or Thunder in West? Are the Knicks destined for the Finals? And who will take home the MVP? Hear from our experts.

Victor Wembanyama's rebounds and assist lines looks like one of the stronger Finals props on the board as the series shifts to New York for Game 3. While Wembanyama remains one of the most versatile players in the league, this matchup has consistently limited his production in both categories throughout the season.

There appear to be seven legitimate contenders in the East – and possibly an eighth if the Pacers meet their own lofty expectations.

Monte Poole identifies six regular-season objectives for the Golden State Warriors to return to the NBA playoffs.