As Christmas draws ever closer so does the NBA's regular season opening day. I have loved the drama of the CBA negotiating and a fun filled (although short) free agency period. However, it is time to hunker down and pump out some predictions for the upcoming season. I'm listing 1-15 in the Eastern Conference and I'm giving a W-L for the top 8 (the playoff teams).
1. Chicago Bulls (55-11)
The Bulls are the most complete team in the East and should be able to take advantage of the shortened season nightly with their good, young talent.
2. Miami Heat (53- 13)
As much as I hate on the Heat, I have to be realistic. It physically hurts me to rank them this high.
3. New York Knicks (45-21)
This was another hard choice. I believe there will be a dramatic fall in the W-L records between the 1 and 2 seeds and 3 through 5 seeds. Tyson Chandler is a good pickup for the Knicks. But The Barron's weight problems and injuries scare me.
4. Orlando Magic (44-22)
The Magic are a perplexing team to pick. They can consistently beat great teams and they can consistently lose head scratchers. I don't see a trade happening before the deadline in March. With Dwight, Orlando is definitely a top four team. Without Dwight, I still think Orlando is in the top four based on the likely value the Magic get for trading Dwight. Look for Anderson to have a breakout year.
5. Boston Celtics (40-26)
The Green Machine is getting older and older. This is year Boston loses the ability to really contend. Garnett can only be a jerk for so long and Pierce can only flop so much before father time catches up with them. (Plus Rondo looks like an alien.... I mean lets be honest).
6. Indiana Pacers (36-30)
The Pacers have made great off season acquisitions. David West and Danny Granger together will be a good combination.
7. Milwaukee Bucks (34-32)
The Bucks depend on Bogut being a force down low. I hope he stays healthy and Brandon Jennings does work.
8. Atlanta Hawks (33-33)
The Hawks routinely prove me wrong. But I think this is the dramatic drop off year. Without Jamal Crawford, this team consists almost solely of quasi-good undersized big men.
9. New Jersey Nets
The Nets are a crap shoot. A tremendous lack of depth dashes their playoff hopes.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
A long shot but maybe an 8 seed if they can pull it together.
11. Washington Wizards
John Wall could make this team relevant. But why not amnesty Lewis yet?
From here on out, its anybody's game.
12. Toronto Raptors
13. Detroit Pistons
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
15. Charlotte Bobcats
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