7 Things to Watch for During the 2014-15 NBA Season

— -- Three games will open the 2014 NBA season tonight. The most-anticipated basketball drama, however, may begin Thursday when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers host the New York Knicks.

James' ballyhooed return to his home state ushered in mile-high expectations for the Cavaliers.

Here's more about King James' return to the kingdom and other things to watch for this NBA season:

1. LeBron Returns to Cleveland

LeBron James has returned to the team that drafted him out of high school in 2003 and the city that once burned his jersey after he abandoned ship for the Miami Heat. The 29-year old has two championships under his belt and is now a little older and wiser.

2. The Next Chapter for Miami Without LeBron

Don't feel sorry for Miami. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and coach Erik Spoelstra are out to prove they can outlive the "Lebron Era."

3. Can the Clippers Win the Title Post-Sterling?

Moving past the legal and racial drama that took place under Donald Sterling, the Los Angeles Clippers have a new billionaire owner, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Known for his boisterous leadership of the tech giant, Ballmer is bound to be the Clippers' loudest cheerleader. Maybe Los Angeles won't be "Lakers' Town" forever.

The Cavaliers, Warriors, Clippers have best championship odds out of all 30 NBA teams, according to FiveThirtyEight.

4. The Spurs Want a Three-Peat

Can the San Antonio Spurs do it again? The team made it to the NBA finals in the last two years, losing to the Miami Heat in 2012 only to find redemption against the Heat in 2013. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and the rest play the Dallas Mavericks tonight. Coach Gregg Popovich has led the team since 1996.

5. Big Apple Contention: Knicks vs. Nets

Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson became the president of the New York Knicks in March, and the team will reportedly use Jackson's offensive techniques. Knicks player Carmelo Anthony went on a free agency tour this summer, but came back to the Knicks. Brooklyn Nets, including Deron Williams and Kevin Garnett, will show again that the Garden isn't the only game in town. Anything is possible.

6. King Kobe and Linsanity II in Los Angeles?

Kobe Bryant, 36, won't have the help of Steve Nash on the court, thanks to a season-ending injury, but he will be playing with the likes of Jeremy Lin, who will start as a point guard after his time with the Houston Rockets.

7. The Return: Derrick Rose Will Hopefully Play a Full Season

Derrick Rose, the 26-year old point guard for the Chicago Bulls, has been called the "heir" to Michael Jordan, though he has only made some 50 NBA appearances since 2010. Apparently injury-free, Rose will play before Bulls fans who have been holding their breath.