NBA Preview Eastern Conference
Though we are one week into the season, I still wanted to get my outlook out here so when I am correct on all 16 playoff squads, I can say I told you so. OK, so maybe that wont happen. But here is how I see the East breaking down:
Atlantic - I see this as the closest division top to bottom, with no real threats to even reach the East Finals. Lets start with the Nets, who have to be considered the favorite at this point. With Kidd, Carter and Jefferson leading the way, they clearly have the most talent in this division. If they could get some improvement out of Collins and Kristic, and the previous three stay healthy, they could threaten the top teams in the East. I dont see it happening. I am a fan of Toronto this year with the additions of Ford and Bargnani. I like them to make the playoffs and come in second in this divison. I will take NY at 3, where I believe Isiah will do some good thingst to at least buy himself one more year. Philly will come in fourth, they just do not have a lot of talent outside of AI. And lastly Boston, who really has no direction, and hasnt since Mr. Ainge took over. I liked Danny as a player, but as a GM, he should hang em up.
Central - One of the worst divisions just a few short years ago, this is not the powerhouse of the Eastern conference, with possible four teams with a chance to advance to the East Finals. I am still taking Detroit to win the division. I do not see the loss of Big Ben being that great, and I certainly dont see it doing enough for Chicago to make a huge jump. The Cavs will come in second, right behind the Pistons. LeBron and company will have another year to gel, and with him on the squad, they are a threat in the playoffs. I like Chicago to come in third, taking maybe a slight step back this year, but they will be in the playoffs nevertheless. The Pacers are going to be in fourth, a really solid team which would probably win the Atlantic. I see them also making the playoffs. And Milwaukee will be bringing up the rear, and again, there are definetely worse teams out there.
Southeast - The home of the defending champs. Miami will take a step back this year because of many reasons, mainly their age, and lack of hunger. They will still win the division, but I do not expect them to get back to the Finals this summer. Once again I like Washington to come in second, and hopefully do some more damage in the playoffs this year with their experience from the last two years. I am a big fan of Arenas, and would not be surprised if he won the scoring title this year (especially matching up with Charlotte, Atlanta, and Orlando a few times). The bottom three you can basically flip a coin in my opinion, but I will stack them Orlando in third, Charlotte in fourth, and Atlanta once again in last.
Playoff seeds: #1 Detroit, #2 Miami, #3 Cleveland, #4 NJ, #5 Washington, #6 Chicago, #7 Toronto, #8 Indiana
Second round matchups: #1 Detroit v #5 Washington, #2 Miami v #3 Cleveland
East Finals: #1 Detroit v #3 Cleveland
Champs: #1 Detroit
I will be back later in the week to discuss the Western Conference
Atlantic - I see this as the closest division top to bottom, with no real threats to even reach the East Finals. Lets start with the Nets, who have to be considered the favorite at this point. With Kidd, Carter and Jefferson leading the way, they clearly have the most talent in this division. If they could get some improvement out of Collins and Kristic, and the previous three stay healthy, they could threaten the top teams in the East. I dont see it happening. I am a fan of Toronto this year with the additions of Ford and Bargnani. I like them to make the playoffs and come in second in this divison. I will take NY at 3, where I believe Isiah will do some good thingst to at least buy himself one more year. Philly will come in fourth, they just do not have a lot of talent outside of AI. And lastly Boston, who really has no direction, and hasnt since Mr. Ainge took over. I liked Danny as a player, but as a GM, he should hang em up.
Central - One of the worst divisions just a few short years ago, this is not the powerhouse of the Eastern conference, with possible four teams with a chance to advance to the East Finals. I am still taking Detroit to win the division. I do not see the loss of Big Ben being that great, and I certainly dont see it doing enough for Chicago to make a huge jump. The Cavs will come in second, right behind the Pistons. LeBron and company will have another year to gel, and with him on the squad, they are a threat in the playoffs. I like Chicago to come in third, taking maybe a slight step back this year, but they will be in the playoffs nevertheless. The Pacers are going to be in fourth, a really solid team which would probably win the Atlantic. I see them also making the playoffs. And Milwaukee will be bringing up the rear, and again, there are definetely worse teams out there.
Southeast - The home of the defending champs. Miami will take a step back this year because of many reasons, mainly their age, and lack of hunger. They will still win the division, but I do not expect them to get back to the Finals this summer. Once again I like Washington to come in second, and hopefully do some more damage in the playoffs this year with their experience from the last two years. I am a big fan of Arenas, and would not be surprised if he won the scoring title this year (especially matching up with Charlotte, Atlanta, and Orlando a few times). The bottom three you can basically flip a coin in my opinion, but I will stack them Orlando in third, Charlotte in fourth, and Atlanta once again in last.
Playoff seeds: #1 Detroit, #2 Miami, #3 Cleveland, #4 NJ, #5 Washington, #6 Chicago, #7 Toronto, #8 Indiana
Second round matchups: #1 Detroit v #5 Washington, #2 Miami v #3 Cleveland
East Finals: #1 Detroit v #3 Cleveland
Champs: #1 Detroit
I will be back later in the week to discuss the Western Conference
posted by Pounder at 8:50 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home