Eastern Conference – The 6th to 8th playoff spots will be decided on the last week of the season with Toronto, Miami, Washington, Chicago and Atlanta. Favorites are still Boston, Detroit and Cleveland.
#1 Boston – Repeat is a motivation. I still picked them to win the East because of the Big Three. Losing Posey (Free agency) and Brown (retirement) is a big blow. I just hope that Darius Miles can regain his old Clipper’s way.
#2 Detroit – As always. With improvements of Maxiell and Stuckey, this team is getting the right composition of old and new as in fresh legs and experience. This team has league’s second solid starting 5 behind the Lakers.
#3 Orlando – Dwight Howard’s continuous improvement is the key to Magic’s success. They have good frontcourt in Howard, Lewis and Hedo but the backcourt is a big question. They can’t go anywhere with Nelson as their point.
#4 Cleveland – They got a point guard in Mo Williams that will really help King James but Big Ben and Z need to adjust playing alongside each other. Key is reserves’ Pavlovic and Varejao. They need to show the old form that help Cavs reached the 2006 finals.
#5 Philadelphia – Elton Brand’s arrival answered their problems to a weak frontline they have last season. Brand will be a force to reckon in the East. They have solid players in every position.
#6 Toronto – Jermain O’neal’s arrival lessen the burden off Chris Bosh but I hope he stays healthy. Watched out for Spain’s Jose Calderon. He’ll be a big surprise this season.
#7 Miami – Dwayne Wade’s play last Olympics suggests that he is all ready to lead Miami to the playoffs. Sad to say, they missed Derrick Rose at draft night. They need a true point and center to go deeper in the playoffs.
#8 Washington – They won’t miss Gilbert Arenas. Antawn and Caron will continue to play at All-Star levels but this team is only good for another first round exit.
#9 Chicago – Throw Ben Gordon out of the team to improve chemistry. Youth still needs to improve consistency. No. 1 pick Derrick Rose needs to improve shooting skills.
#10 Atlanta – Mike Bibby’s becoming ala Jason Williams. If Marvin Williams and Al Horford continues to improve, this team has a glance of making the play offs.
#11 Charlotte – Larry Brown brings what the team lacks last season. Individually, they are good and their new coach will make this team on the rise, but probably plays off chances are for next season.
#12 Milwaukee – New coach Scott Skiles is known for defense. But this team is not known for that. Will they co-exist considering Skiles tough and brutal trainings?
#13 New Jersey – Vince Carter will win some games but nothing spectacular from this team. Another losing season especially J-Kidd is gone.
#14 Indiana – Larry Bird’s rebuilding will take some time especially Donnie Walsh left him. Danny Granger will be known this season.
#15 New York – As long as Marbury, Randolf and Curry plays together, this team is going nowhere. Poor New York.
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