Eastern Conference Preview

Some might wonder why I am previewing the East, when is in nearly irrelevant because of the strength of the West's top 3. I think the East has improved, and overall the conference is relatively even to its counterpart, but the champion is undoubtedly coming from the West.

1) Detroit Pistons
They have one of the best starting fives in basketball.

2) Chicago Bulls
If they think the Kobe trade talk is distracting them, imagine what its doing to the Lakers

3) Miami Heat
Yes this team is getting older, but they still have Dywane Wade- one of the top 5 players in the NBA. Many "experts" are predicting they will miss the playoffs- this team will surprise people.

4) Boston Celtics
You can't expect the big three to click overnight.

5) Washington Wizards
They didn't make too many off season moves, but their big three of Arenas, Jamison and Butler is nearly as good as the Celtics big three.

6) Cleveland Cavaliers
Its Lebron and who else? That might work in the playoffs, but he can't carry the team the entire season.

7) New Jersey Nets
If they can stay healthy they might make some noise in the playoffs.

8) Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard is going to emerge as one of the best post players in the NBA

9) Toronto Raptors
No longer a suprise team, they won't be able to live up to higher expectations.

10) Milwauke Bucks
They are going to be a solid team, and might even sneak into the playoffs. Yi, Bogut, Villanueva, Redd and Desmond Mason comprise a solid starting lineup.

11) Atlanta Hawks
They have had so many top 10 lottery picks they have to get better eventually, right? Acie Law looks like the point guard they need.

12) New York Knicks
Zach Randolph should help, but the Knicks are in for another rough year. At least they don't have to send their draft pick to Chicago this year.

13) Charlotte Bobcats
Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace are good players, but this team still has a few years to go before they can compete.

14) Indiana Pacers
They trade with the Warriors last year was trainwreck. Jermaine O'Neal wants out. It it incredible how fast the Pacers have fallen from a perineal contender to a cellar dweller.

15) Philadelphia 76ers
The rebuilding commenced with the Allen Iverson trade... It will continnue for the next few years. They aren't going to be doing much more than collecting ping-pong balls this season.