NBA Season Preview – Eastern Conference Predictions

3. Boston Celtics – Adding Rasheed Wallace set off an arms race in the East that the Celtics ultimately lost, although backup guard Marquis Daniels was a very nice addition. They’ll be the best defensive team in the league and a force in the playoffs, but age and injuries could slow them down in the regular season.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Lebron and crew are back, but whether the magic of last season also returns is an open question. Shaq will probably help less than expected, but Lebron’s brilliance will keep them in the championship running. At this point, it’s still Lebron and a bunch of role players, and even Jordan needed Pippen.

1. Orlando Magic – Hedo Turkoglu was overrated and demanding too much money, and Vince Carter is better in every aspect (even shooting and passing). Adding power player Brandon Bass and 6’10 sharpshooter Ryan Anderson were two underrated moves, and the Eastern champs managed to get better in every area of the game. They’ve tasted blood, and everyone from the ownership down seems completely committed.