Predictions

Normally I make predictions after I've read the SI NBA Preview issue, but since I no longer receive it in the mail and I'm cheap, I'm just going to throw my predictions out there. Today I'm going to do the East, mainly because the Bulls are in the East and I know more about it. Tomorrow I'll give the world the West.

1. Miami Heat (66-16)-This pretty easy. Anyone who picks any team to have a better record in the East than the Heat is smoking something or a serious 'homer.' The Heat are loaded and are going to win and win and win. But winning 70 or 72 games is just ridiculous. LeBron isn't Jordan, Wade isn't Pippen, and no one has ever been Dennis Rodman. Plus Wade is already nursing injuries and every team in the League is going to get up for playing them. Best record in the NBA, Yes. Best record in the history of the NBA, NO!

2. Orlando Magic (59-23)-Dwight Howard is pissed and is going to have his best season to date. He could even throw up a MVP type season. Jameer Nelson looks healthy and should have a pre injury type year. JJ Redick is entering what should be a very good prime. Those are the good things. The bad things? They are getting almost nothing from Rashard Lewis. The League has figured him out, don't let him shoot threes and be physical with him if he ever tries to post up. Vince Carter really really sucks. I don't care what he's done in the preseason there is no way he will be the teams best two guard by the time the playoffs start. It's tough to win a championship when two of your starters are below average at their position.

3. Chicago Bulls (49-33)-That's right, I am picking the Bulls to earn the three seed despite Carlos Boozer starting the year injured. Also, the gap between the Heat and Magic and the rest of the East is really big. Ten games might be conservative. But I digress. The Bulls have a good coach, a star PG, a top 6 center, and a SF who appears to be getting back to his slashing cutting studly ways. This team is a healthy Carlos Boozer away from winning 55 games, which means it will never happen. But with Rose, Noah, Deng and parts, this team is going to push 50 wins for the next several years. Also, look for Rose to make a leap this year and be talked about with Deron Williams and Chris Paul.

4. Boston Celtics (48-34)-They are old, and they are going to miss Kendrick Perkins more than they realize. Jermaine and Shaquille O'Neal are not defensive players and are not rebounders. That is what this team needs and those two players are terrible. If Perkins is healthy come playoff time than anything is possible, but I will be very surprised if this team wins 50 games. The only real bright spot is Rajon Rondo is a terrific player. I hate him, but he causes havoc on the defensive end and even though he can't shoot he seems to get into the paint whenever he wants.

5. Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)-The only thing that could derail this team is if the players quit on Coach Skiles and unfortunately that has happened in Chicago AND Phoenix. But baring that catastrophe, which I do not expect to happen (at least not until next season), the Bucks are going to be tough. They are deep, have a good floor general in Brandon Jennings and arguably the second best center in the League. Yes he is injury prone, but when healthy he is tough on defense and one of the few bigs you can run your offense through. The downside to this team, they overpaid for John Salmons, Drew Gooden and Corey Maggette so this is it for the next three or four years.

6. Atlanta Hawks (45-37)-The Hawks are going the wrong direction and have already peaked. They've proven they can't beat the good teams in the playoffs and their best player just signed the biggest deal of the offseason. What motivation does he have. The coach is arguing with the defensive stud about his terrible shot selection. The Sixth Man of the year is either going to sabotage the season or get traded. There is just nothing to like here, except for Al Horford, who continues to play out of position.

I think the top six teams are pretty much set. Barring some disasters these six teams will make the playoffs, the seeding may change but they'll be there. The last two could be just about anyone.

7. New Jersey (41-41)-This is purely because I think they land Carmelo Anthony by December 1st. A team with Anthony, Brook Lopez, and Troy Murphy should probably make the playoffs. But if they don't land Anthony then they have very little shot.

8. New York (40-42)-I think D'Antonio's style will win them just enough games to get into the playoffs. Amare' will score and even though Ray Felton is no Steve Nash he is a big upgrade over what the Knicks have had the best few years. I don't like this team, but the bottom of the East is just plain terrible.

Teams that missed, in no particular order: Indiana Pacers-Right now, only Collison and Granger are NBA caliber starters. Roy Hibbert could get there in a year or two, but right now this team is terrible. The Smoker aka Larry Bird, needs to break this thing down completely and rebuild...again. Get rid of Granger while he has value and build around Collison and Hibbert and whatever draft picks you get.

Charlotte Bobcats-Their season went straight into the toilet the minute they traded Tyson Chandler. I know he only played half the game for them, but they need his defensive presence and without it Larry Brown is going to wear out his welcome real quick. Plus any team that HAS to rely on Tyrus Thomas is in big trouble. I'll always root for Thomas, but I doubt he ever gets anywhere near his potential, especially after he just signed a big extension.

Toronto Raptors-They have zero talent and could fight for the worst team in the League. Colangelo should lose his job at the end of this season, that's how bad a job he has done since drafting Andrea Bargnani.

Detroit Pistons-They should be able score this year, but no one, and I mean NO ONE will play any defense. Tayshaun Prince has had enough, you can see it every time he steps on the court, plus he is their only tradeable asset. Ben Wallace is old and terrible and the rest of their team are wing scorers like Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, Ben Gordon, and Charlie V. This team is going to be a train wreck to watch. And speaking of GMs who should have been fired, it's amazing Joe Dumars still has a job.

Philadelphia 76ers-I like the players, but the pieces don't fit. If Evan Turner can learn to play off the ball then the Sixers should have a starting five worthy of making the playoffs. Jrue Holliday, Turner, the new AI, Thadeous Young, and Elton Brand. That is the team new coach Doug Collins should throw out there and that is a team that should win at least 41 games.

Washington Wizards-As long as Gilbert Arenas is around this team isn't going anywhere. As an aside, John Wall is good. See below for further details.

Cleveland Cavs-There is nothing to talk about here. If the best player in the League leaves your team and you didn't have a backup plan, you are going to struggle for a few years. That's where the Cavs are right now. Hopefully they will gut this team and rebuild through free agency and the draft as quickly as possible.