NBA Eastern Conference Preview 08

It is Eastern Conference time. The season of 82 games has begun. Time for basketball ball. The east had a good draft in 2008. The incoming class of young players is really going to help some of these teams and maybe even give a couple teams the edge that have not been in playoff talks for a while...

Atlantic

Boston Celtics #1 seed
Toronto Rapters #5 seed
Philadelphia 76'ers #7 seed
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks

I think that this one was an obvious pick for the winner. Boston has all around balance on the court. The trio of Garnett, Pierce and Allen can really be turned into the quartet. Rajon Rondo had an all star season in 2007-2008 and he is going to be huge for the Celtics down the road. He will need to distribute the ball to all guys and really use all the tools available. Toronto is up and coming, this year a solid palyoff run. You have to love their chances with Chirs Bosh along with the addition of Jermaine O'Neal. Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon will most likely shoot the Rapters into the postseason. Philly is improving. Elton Brand is only making things better. Sam Dalembert and Andre Iguoldala will be the leaders of this team the key is that they need to win their division games. I don't see another championship in the city of brotherly love this year. The only good thing about the Nets is that all their games are on YES so they are usually on when they play. The Knicks, getting rid of Isiah=good, the team is just not going anywhere.

Central

Chicago Bulls #3 seed
Cleveland Cavaliers #4 seed
Detroit Pistons
Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers

This is my surprise pick. I really like the way the Bulls looked in preseason and it is time for them to be back in the postseason. Derrick Rose is my pick for rookie of the year. The 1st round draft pick looked good and I believe will transition well to the NBA. Luol Deng needs to stay healthy and also, this team needs to utilize its depth with Hinrick and Gordon coming off the bench. Cavs are looking good as well. This is the only team that can give a scare to the Bulls. The addition of Mo Williams is key to their success and I bleieve they will land at the 4th playoff seed. The Pistons are falling apart and this is the year I beleive we will see them miss the playoffs. The Bucks are improving while the Pacers, will just fall off the face of the Earth.

Southeast

Atlanta Hawks #2 seed
Miami Heat #6 seed
Orlando Magic #8 seed
Charlotte Bobcats
Washington Wizards

This is the year for the Hawks. Their entire roster is a threat to make the All-Star team midway through. Josh Smth and Marvin Williams in the front court with Al Horford in the center. The addition of Joe Johnson last year and Mike Bibby controlling the point, this team is all business. The Heat will win more than 16 games this year. Their young guns will be the factor in that as well. Their improvement will land them in a low seed in the playoffs. The Magic are not going to be as effective this season as last. The Bobcats and Wizards are both going to struggle. Without Arenas, the Wizards will have trouble getting off to a good start and that will put them into a hole right out of the gate.