There is a wide open race to the Eastern Conference playoffs again this year.  While there are a few teams seemingly in position to make a serious championship run, there is really no telling how the East's standings will shape up.  I've made an attempt to sort out the competition:    
     
1. Chicago Bulls    
   The 'Baby Bulls' have no excuses anymore- it's time for them to grow up.  With a strong defense and an array of shooters and scorers, is this the year they finally put it together?  They should cruise through the regular season to the playoffs, but that is where the true test will come.  They still lack a low-post scoring threat, and their talent level may not be as high as some people think.  Do Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, and Luol Deng provide enough starpower to complement the likes of guys like Tyrus Thomas and Andres Nocioni?  Or would the Bulls be better off pulling the trigger on a Kobe deal; Chicago may be the only team capable or prying Bryant away from the Lakers..    
     
2. Detroit Pistons    
   The veteran Pistons will certainly be motivated to avenge last year's conference championship loss after Lebron James put forth a superhuman effort to stun Detroit.  Their bench, especially their frontcourt, is deep and active with guys like Jason Maxiell coming off the pine.  The Pistons may be the favorite to come out of the East as they have a well-balanced, experienced team, and they should be fresh and ready for the playoffs.    
     
3. Orlando Magic    
   This is the year the Magic take the leap into the East's elite.  They should be solid at PG with Jameer Nelson prepared to have a breakout season.  They picked up coveted free agent Rashard Lewis while Trevor Ariza could be key providing defense and athleticism.  Dwight Howard is Amare Stoudemire on steroids, though beyond him their frontcourt is weak.  This may come back to haunt them come playoff time.    
     
4. Boston Celtics    
  Their new big three should be enough to get the Celts homecourt for the playoffs, as it shouldn't be much of a problem for Pierce to blend with Garnett and Allen.  However, someone else on their roster is going to have to step up for them to reach their goal, which is certainly a Finals birth.  How would they match up with a tough team like Detroit, who will also be able to constantly employ fresh legs?  Likely, Boston will need an additional complementary piece to get to a championship level.    
     
5. Cleveland Caveliers    
  Lebron James is the only reason the Cavs will reach the playoffs.  There is no way Lebron will accept anything less.  However, it's going to be a hell of a time carrying his team there, and a repeat Finals birth is probably out of the question.  With two key contributors in last years playoff run (Varejao and Pavlovic) still holding out, Cleveland really needs to find some consistent pieces to put around James before they can contend for a title.    
     
6. New Jersey Nets    
  With Nenad Krystic back, there is no reason Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson shouldn't be able to propel the Nets deep into the playoffs.  However, there is a huge question mark when injuries come into play, and one twisted ankle could lead to New Jersey's demise and a blow-up of their current team.  With development of their young talent and everyone healthy, if Sean Williams could become Jersey's new Kenyon Martin and Magloire could come close to his potential, the Nets would be favorites in the East.  That's a lot of 'if's.    
     
7. Washington Wizards    
  If the Wizards start playing any sort of defense, they will be a tough team to beat.  Caron Butler has come into his own and along with Jamison and Arenas Washington could beat any team on a given night.  However, poor shot selection and lethargic defense could send the Wizards down into the Eastern Conference cellar if they are not careful.  Eddie Jordan needs to keep this team focused on trying to stop people because they aren't the Suns.    
     
8. Toronto Raptors    
  The Raptors won't be sneaking up on anyone this year.  If Chris Bosh and T.J. Ford can stay healthy and Bargnani continues to develope Toronto could very well contend for the division again.  The rest of the East has improved and the Atlantic division isn't what it was last year, but the Raptors should find a way back into the playoffs.    
   
continued:  http://www.freethefan.com /headline/3478/