Expectations

I can't believe it, but its already time for the NBA basketball season to start! It was an interesting off season. Lots of teams made big moves, lots of teams decided to stand pat. Here is my break down of what I think will happen Division by Division this season:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division
Lots of big changes over the summer on the East Coast, but in the long run it probably won't change a whole lot. Boston still looks really good, if K.G. and the rest of the team can stay healthy they should have no problems bringing the Division crown back to Bean Town.

1. Celtics
2. 76ers
3. Raptors
4. Knicks
5. Nets

Central Division
If the Central has one thing its STARS to the ump-teenth power. With the likes of LeBron, Derick Rose, Micheal Redd, and Sheed being joined by Shaq there will be no shortage of great play. The Cavs look good but I wouldn't be too surprised if the Bulls or Pistons made a serious push for 1st place.

1. Cavs
2. Bulls
3. Pistons
4. Bucks
5. Pacers

Southeast Division
If there is a division where ANYTHING can happen, this is it. Orlando will be a contender for the Title again, and D-Wade is hungry for another ring. If the Wizards and Hawks can get their acts together they will be hard to beat. The only easy pick in the Southeast is last place.

1. Magic
2. Heat
3. Hawks
4. Wizards
5. Bobcats

Western Conference

Pacific Division
This is an interesting division. The Lakers are without question the best team, and unless Armageddon occurs they will win the division with no problem. It gets chippy after that. The Suns are good but ageing, the Warriors are fast but lack disipline, The Clippers are Talented but can never put it together, and the Kings can hits 3's all day but have no inside game. Spots 2-5 are up for grabs on the left coast.

1. Lakers
2. Suns
3. Warrior
4. Clippers
5. Kings

Southwest Division
There is no question that its going to be a competitive grind it out type of season for the Southwest. When it comes down to competitive grind it out basketball nobody does it better than the San Antonio Spurs. It will be a close race but in the end Timmy and the boys will edge out the Hornets and Mavs for the #1 spot. Sorry Houston, with Yao out and Artest in Purple and Gold, it might just be best to tank it and see if you can get a good lottery pick

1. Spurs
2. Hornets
3. Mavs
4. Grizzlies
5. Rockets

Northwest Division
Probalby the best division in the NBA this season. I expect it to come right down to the last game for the division championship to be decided. If the Nuggets can gel like they did last year they could win it. The Blazers have a strong backcourt and if Oden comes up big...look out! But if the Jazz avoid injurys and locker room drama, they will be haging another division championship banner in the ESA!

1. Jazz
2. Blazers
3. Nuggets
4. T-Wolves
5. Thunder