OFFICIAL 2010-2011 NBA PLAYOFFS THREAD : VOL. MOST. ANTICIPATED. PLAYOFFS. EVER?

[yeeupp]

Like stated, Dwight is already great defensively. For them to win he'll need some post moves.

For a three point shooting team, him scoring in the paint would give his teammates great looks.
But then. he'll need to know how to beat the double team. Maybe this yr he shows this'

Yao Ming


"I have a size 19 foot. That happens. I step in the paint; a quarter of the paint is full.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineS...YER_ID=&hd=20101021#STORY_28784#ixzz133riteH6

 

[yeeupp]

Like stated, Dwight is already great defensively. For them to win he'll need some post moves.

For a three point shooting team, him scoring in the paint would give his teammates great looks.
But then. he'll need to know how to beat the double team. Maybe this yr he shows this'

Yao Ming


"I have a size 19 foot. That happens. I step in the paint; a quarter of the paint is full.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineS...YER_ID=&hd=20101021#STORY_28784#ixzz133riteH6

 

[duba169]

Originally Posted by Do Be Doo

RoOk wrote:

---

As i'm watching this Heat game...I still wonder if Lebron wonders if he made the right still. He just doesn't seem right. it may just be me not used to seeing him in another jersey but idk.

I think he made the BEST choice. 
  

i'm curious. if they don't win a chip this year. was it the best choice?

 

[duba169]

Originally Posted by Do Be Doo

RoOk wrote:

---

As i'm watching this Heat game...I still wonder if Lebron wonders if he made the right still. He just doesn't seem right. it may just be me not used to seeing him in another jersey but idk.

I think he made the BEST choice. 
  

i'm curious. if they don't win a chip this year. was it the best choice?

 

[35kd]

Originally Posted by JPZx


MJ Led Bulls
Kobe led Lakers
Post-Garnett Era Timberwolves

Which of these is not like the others?

this made me

for some reason

 

[35kd]

Originally Posted by JPZx


MJ Led Bulls
Kobe led Lakers
Post-Garnett Era Timberwolves

Which of these is not like the others?

this made me

for some reason

 

[mjsaver]

Are the nuggets still in the league

.?

I dont see them on many peoples list of teams, but until they trade Carmelo they have to be considered a top 3/4 team in the west.

 

[mjsaver]

Are the nuggets still in the league

.?

I dont see them on many peoples list of teams, but until they trade Carmelo they have to be considered a top 3/4 team in the west.

 

[mjshoefanatic]

Originally Posted by 23bryan

Can't wait for the the season to start.

#LetsGoClippers

 

[mjshoefanatic]

Originally Posted by 23bryan

Can't wait for the the season to start.

#LetsGoClippers

 

[do be doo]

DubA169 wrote:

---

Originally Posted by Do Be Doo

RoOk wrote:

---

As i'm watching this Heat game...I still wonder if Lebron wonders if he made the right still. He just doesn't seem right. it may just be me not used to seeing him in another jersey but idk.

I think he made the BEST choice. 
  

i'm curious. if they don't win a chip this year. was it the best choice?



What do you think?

I mean don't get me wrong it would be CRAZY, but I don't see that happening.
If you were in his shoes, who do you pick?

 

[do be doo]

DubA169 wrote:

---

Originally Posted by Do Be Doo

RoOk wrote:

---

As i'm watching this Heat game...I still wonder if Lebron wonders if he made the right still. He just doesn't seem right. it may just be me not used to seeing him in another jersey but idk.

I think he made the BEST choice. 
  

i'm curious. if they don't win a chip this year. was it the best choice?



What do you think?

I mean don't get me wrong it would be CRAZY, but I don't see that happening.
If you were in his shoes, who do you pick?

 

[proshares]

Dwight is the key player in the East to me. If he learned anything from Hakeem and is actually motivated and has tempered down that happy go lucky attitude, he's the one person in the East that can stop Miami. No one in the league has a solution for Howard. All depends on if he's willing to step up to that role.

 

[proshares]

Dwight is the key player in the East to me. If he learned anything from Hakeem and is actually motivated and has tempered down that happy go lucky attitude, he's the one person in the East that can stop Miami. No one in the league has a solution for Howard. All depends on if he's willing to step up to that role.

 

[proshares]

With the NBA season nearly upon us, ESPN Insider has some final preseason thoughts on every team, including a league scout's team outlook courtesy of ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard, David Thorpe's breakout players to watch and contract/performance analysis from Tom Haberstroh.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

[h3]Scoutspeak[/h3]

“
I'm not quite ready to say Kobe's going to start slowing down, but if it happens, it wouldn't shock me.

 

[proshares]

With the NBA season nearly upon us, ESPN Insider has some final preseason thoughts on every team, including a league scout's team outlook courtesy of ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard, David Thorpe's breakout players to watch and contract/performance analysis from Tom Haberstroh.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

[h3]Scoutspeak[/h3]

“
I'm not quite ready to say Kobe's going to start slowing down, but if it happens, it wouldn't shock me.

 

[h3at23]

N.B.A. Eyes Drastic Cut in Payouts to Players

The N.B.A. wants to slash player income by at least $750 million annually — a stance that could trigger a lockout next summer.
N.B.A. owners have been seeking big changes in the collective bargaining agreement, including a hard salary cap and numerous restrictions on player contracts. But the specific cost-savings target was made public for the first time Thursday, when Commissioner David Stern disclosed it to reporters after an owners meeting in Manhattan.
“We would like to get profitable, have a return on investment,

 

[h3at23]

N.B.A. Eyes Drastic Cut in Payouts to Players

The N.B.A. wants to slash player income by at least $750 million annually — a stance that could trigger a lockout next summer.
N.B.A. owners have been seeking big changes in the collective bargaining agreement, including a hard salary cap and numerous restrictions on player contracts. But the specific cost-savings target was made public for the first time Thursday, when Commissioner David Stern disclosed it to reporters after an owners meeting in Manhattan.
“We would like to get profitable, have a return on investment,

 

[proshares]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

[h3]

[h3]Predicted Finish For Atlanta Hawks: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]They stayed the same when teams all over the East were loading up. They're fine physically, which made their mental checkout in the playoffs even more alarming. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]The Hawks have reached their ceiling. They need a big-time frontcourt star to join the elite. Josh Smith is strong but may never take the leap his talent says he can. Al Horford is very good but not great. They should be better and more fluid offensively under Larry Drew, but defensively they could suffer. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Hawks broke the bank to re-sign Joe Johnson and seem to have a late first-round gem in Jordan Crawford. Josh Smith, Al Horford and Marvin Williams intrigue, but they can't continue to use youth as an excuse. If the Hawks can't turn the corner this season, it may be time to shake up this team. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Whatever new coach Larry Drew runs with the Hawks offensively this season, it will be better received after six seasons of Mike Woodson's play calling. Getting Al Horford some help defending the paint will be the key to getting home-court advantage in Round 1. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Hawks basically had everything go right last season and won 53; that's the ceiling. With virtually the same team we can't expect a collapse, but between a bit more adversity and likely declines from the three main backcourt players, they'll land in the mid-40s. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]They were exposed in the playoffs as a team that, when they play against great defensive teams, the ball got very stagnant. It didn't change sides of the floor and there was a lot of one-on-one play. They re-signed Joe Johnson; is he a max player? Now he has to earn it. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Still boggles the mind that this was the third-best team in the East last season, going by regular-season record. Then the playoffs happened, and we saw what they were really made of. They are still playoff material, no doubt, but they'll be road kill again if they face Boston, Miami or Orlando in the first round. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Joe Johnson somehow landed last summer's biggest contract and Larry Drew got just about the least lucrative contract that a coach can receive, when Johnson really needed more help and Drew didn't need a low-dollar deal undermining his authority. Two big reasons why the Hawks are going to slip.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Some teams got better in the offseason. Some grew worse. The Hawks essentially stood still, and settled simply for re-signing Joe Johnson to a max deal. Replacing Mike Woodson with Larry Drew won't be enough to shake things up and get the Hawks beyond the first round of the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 5 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]They're talented, they're fairly deep, and they are the exact same team that has been swept out of the second round in the last two years. Can new coach Larry Drew change that cycle? Not unless he's got a trick up his sleeve we haven't seen yet. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 3.1 | Standings         East: 5.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Boston Celtics: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Lots to like: They're defending conference champs who still feel the need to prove they're not too old, and they've brought the fun side of Shaq back out. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Regular-season record won't be indicative of how good Celtics are. East is between them and the Heat. If Big Three is healthy and can play in the playoffs like they did last season, Celtics could ruin Lakers-Heat dream Finals. Boston has nice advantage at PG and C over Miami. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Did the Celtics make their last gasp in the playoffs? I have my concerns. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are all on the downsides of their careers. Ditto for the Celtics' two new O'Neals -- Jermaine and Shaq. However, with Rajon Rondo running the point, I expect they'll make another deep run[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]A healthy Kevin Garnett means a much more motivated regular-season team than what we saw over the final 54 regular-season games of last season. The pickups of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal give Boston plenty of time and patience to make sure Kendrick Perkins is ready for the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Boston to win the Atlantic seems the safest pick on the board. A better question is whether their record will be any better than a year ago given their strong 2010 playoffs. Many look at that run and say yes; the history of previous such squads says probably not.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]This is a team that is obviously built for the postseason. They aren't going to make a run at 60 wins. Doc Rivers is going to pace them and get them ready for the playoffs. They have a formidable trio and Rajon Rondo. They looked at Miami and had to make moves to counter. They went and got bigger.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]One question pops to mind after being briefed by NBA officials and then seeing first-hand the technical foul crackdown: Is KG the new Sheed? They are built, manpower and position-wise, to defeat the Heat if they meet in May. I think they can. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Celtics proved that they can be borderline mediocre for more than half the season and still do as much playoff damage as anyone. And now they're deeper than they've been since the C's super team in 1986. The risk is that cruising could stick them with Miami in the second round instead of Orlando. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are back for, perhaps, one last run at a title. Adding 14 feet of O'Neals (Shaq and Jermaine) gives the Celtics more post depth than Miami and enough beef to frustrate Orlando. But the C's best move was retaining coach Doc Rivers. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Last year during the preseason Kevin Garnett was dragging his leg up the floor, Rasheed Wallace was out of shape and Ray Allen was facing a contract year. And the Celtics still ended up in Game 7. These guys are much more settled this time around. Then again, it could be the end of the road.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 1.0 | Standings         East: 2.8 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Charlotte Bobcats: 2010-11[/h3]
[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]It won't be enough, but Larry Brown will squeeze extra wins from this team. And speaking of extra, Boris Diaw looks as if he spent the summer saying "Plus de croissants." [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Ray Felton wasn't great but his presence will be missed. Plus, I'm betting Larry Brown is going to wear out his welcome this season and usher in a bit of chaos. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Bobcats made the playoffs last season, but I don't see them repeating the feat this year. Not after losing the team's starting point guard and center. Larry Brown has a knack for getting the most out of players, but I struggle to believe that they can repeat last season's performance with this squad. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]It's hard to see a D.J. Augustin-run team in the playoffs. But it's also hard to think about Larry Brown sitting idly by and not making a trade to address this need at point guard. The Bobcats' defense is still good enough to lift them to back-to-back playoff berths. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]They lost Raymond Felton unnecessarily and replaced him with Shaun Livingston. They traded Tyson Chandler in a salary dump that saved no money. They have no draft pick and no cap space. Barring a minor miracle (say, Boris Diaw for Devin Harris), they're hosed. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]They are a team that plays hard and they defend. The question is when a group of guys plays for Larry Brown for a while, their shelf life gets a little stale. I wonder if he will be able to stay with this team for the entire season. They won 44 games a year ago. Big question is at point guard. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Over/under on when Larry Brown proclaims he's thinking of leaving the profession for good because it is too hard living apart from his family: Feb. 1. Over/under on when Brown proclaims he misses Ray Felton's toughness: Dec. 1. Over/under on wins: 37. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The playoffs are still a decent possibility with only six East playoff locks. Yet it's equally possible MJ's first full season of majority ownership will be spent confronting the possibility that this roster has peaked, struggling to overcome the Bobs' payroll and managing his shaky partnership with Larry Brown. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Larry Brown is testing the theory of addition by subtraction, having parted with starting PG Raymond Felton and center Tyson Chandler after leading this version of the franchise to its first playoff appearance. Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace sneak this squad back into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]How did the team respond to finally making the playoffs? By losing ground over the summer. This team still has quality pieces but it simply isn't as good as it was last year while the rest of its division has been in an arms race. How long will Larry Brown stand for it? [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 4.7 | Standings         East: 9.7 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Chicago Bulls: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Isn't Tom Thibodeau supposed to be a defensive guy? So why is Chicago's offense looking so fast-paced and fun? Like this squad a lot, even while Carlos Boozer's out. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Bulls are essentially Utah East. Heck, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer are former Jazz men! Throw in the great PG (D-Rose vs. D-Will) and special role players (Noah, Deng, Gibson vs. Millsap, Okur, Kirilenko) and you've got a team that is very good, but not good enough to win the East.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Had Carlos Boozer not tripped over a suitcase, breaking his pinky, I'd have the Bulls ranked higher. The combination of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Boozer is an intriguing one. If the Bulls can get someone to knock down a shot or two, they could be a very dangerous team. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Carlos Boozer's injury hurts because the Bulls don't get to start the season at full strength. Derrick Rose 's continued ascension into the superstar conversation coincides nicely with the arrival of Tom Thibodeau and his style of wreaking defensive mayhem. They'll need lots of outside shooting to make the leap.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Derrick Rose is a rising star, Carlos Boozer adds a serious frontcourt weapon, and they'll almost certainly be better coached. But let's all calm down a bit: They'll be in the bottom five in 3s, they have a shallow bench and Booz is already hurt. They're good, but flawed. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Carlos Boozer is the one free agent who didn't get enough attention. He'll have a dynamic point guard in Derrick Rose. Boozer gives this team a 20-and-10 player night in, night out. Joakim Noah likes to run the floor. Boozer is a back-to-the-basket player. They will work well together. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Looking at roster spots 1 through 5, I like 'em a lot. Six through 12, not so much. After years and years of waiting, Tom Thibodeau gets his shot at coaching from the first seat on the bench, and those who know coaches tell me Tibs will be worth 10 wins all by himself. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]I've said it before and will say it again: I applaud the Boozer/Korver signings after missing out on the big names, expect Chicago to win the Central and FIRMLY oppose the idea of giving up a long-limbed defensive anchor of Joakim Noah's caliber for Melo, no matter how fearsome Melo is a scorer. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]These aren't Michael's Bulls. But no team north of South Beach did more to improve in free agency. Chicago has a low-post game with Carlos Boozer joining Joakim Noah. Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer will excel off Derrick Rose. Here's a legit dark horse to reach conference finals. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This was a Bulls team on the brink even before its free-agent pickups led by Carlos Boozer. Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were fantastic in the playoffs last season and neither was 100 percent. The Bulls have the ingredients to be a darkhorse contender, led by their sheer size. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 1.3 | Standings         East: 4.2 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Cleveland Cavaliers: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Since 2007 the Cavaliers have lost 13 of the 14 games they've played without LeBron, so I'm afraid to do the projections of them playing 82 games without him. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]No team has a bigger chip on its shoulder than the Cavs, who want to show the world they're not the scrubs they're perceived to be. Willpower only gets you so far, though. Eventually, talent wins, and while the Cavs will have their feel-good moments, they just don't have the firepower. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Without LeBron, the Cavs are a hodgepodge collection of solid role players who will struggle to win 30. Can vets like Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao, Ramon Sessions and Antawn Jamison improve now that they're no longer under LeBron's shadow? Can Harrison Barnes save the team next year? [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]You-know-who is gone, and it will be up to the veterans on the team to keep this squad competitive. But being competitive doesn't always translate to wins. Dealing veterans for assets and seeing what J.J. Hickson can give are the first steps in the rebuilding process. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]I feel like I'm pouring salt into an open wound every time I'm asked to assess the 2010-11 Cavs. No, it probably won't be pretty. They'll need everything to go perfectly just to grab an 8-seed. But keep an eye on Ramon Sessions after his liberation from Minnesota. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Despite Dan Gilbert's proclamation that they are going to win a championship before LeBron will, they don't have enough talent to back that up. Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison are the guys they are going to count on, but are they going to be good enough defensively? [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]From 61-21 to 21-61? Yep, I could see that. I know 21 wins may seem high, but have you seen how weak some of the other dregs of the East are? Another piece of fantasy advice: Grab J.J. Hickson, who could have changed the Cavs' fortunes in Game 5 against Boston if Mike Brown had gone to him. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]I don't see what's left of the Cavaliers sneaking into the playoffs, but I also won't be surprised to see the Cavs exceed the widely morose expectations that lead to the sort of suggestions -- like we just witnessed on the "NBA Tonight Roundtable" -- that 30.5 wins is a suitable over/under. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The team LeBron James abandoned won't completely hit rock bottom with his departure, but the tumble will be steep. Think the Jacksons without Michael. The Commodores without Lionel. The Kardashians without Kim. The lakefront without the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 11 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Obviously they're still reeling from the loss of LeBron James. Hard to judge them because injuries have made it impossible for Byron Scott to even see what his new team looks like. They could become a fringe playoff team or sink to the very bottom depending on if they use their $14.5 million trade exception to improve. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 4.2 | Standings         East: 12.2 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Detroit Pistons: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]The only bright spots are the expiring contracts of Tayshaun Prince and Chris Wilcox. The Pistons need to get back to a defensive mentality; it worked best for them, and they have one of the few fan bases that appreciates it. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Times are tough all-around in Motown. They finally get T-Mac, but alas, it's way too late. Austin Daye and Greg Monroe have nice potential, and a true point guard would help them reach it. Rodney Stuckey, for all his ability, is more two than one. He'd be best as a third guard who came off the bench firing.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Pistons struggled with injuries last season and it dramatically affected their win total. Now that everyone's healthy, I'm still struggling to see how this team fits together. They have plenty of talent on the perimeter, but unless Austin Daye and Greg Monroe really step up, they're going to get killed in the paint. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Pistons have a lot of superfluous parts at the wing positions and not enough depth or talent everywhere else. Rodney Stuckey is up against the development wall for this team, and the interior needs Greg Monroe to be good right away. At least the Pistons don't have more cap space to misuse. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]While they'll remain unwatchable, the Pistons may be half-decent. Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Tayshaun Prince should be healthier and, thus, better than a year ago, and I like rookie Greg Monroe. Unfortunately, they have 23 perimeter players and two bigs. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]They have changed their identity and are no longer a team that locks you down for six minutes at a time so you can't score. They are an offensive-minded team with a lot of guys who can score. On any given night, if they have it going they can beat anybody. Tracy McGrady is the big X factor. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Was going to place them below Indiana in my division standings preview, but can't justify it after comparing their respective rosters -- and that is without including T-Mac, who I expect to see for no more than 41 games. Still scratching my head over the Ben Gordon/Charlie Villanueva signings. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]T-Mac's comeback and the prospect of a trade involving Rip Hamilton or Tayshaun Price, significant as they seem as Pistons topics, pale in comparison to the real story: When will this team be sold and how many changes will be enacted by the Mike Illitch regime ... if Ilitch indeed gets the team.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace are still around in Motown. But make no mistake, these are clearly the artists formerly known as the Detroit Pistons. Joe Dumars is one of the most respected execs in the league. But it's hard to tell in which direction this franchise is headed. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 10 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]From a pure talent standpoint, this team should have enough to contend for the playoffs. But injuries and underachievement questions will continue to dog it until it proves otherwise. Also, what does it get from a potential Tayshaun Prince trade? Lots of mystery here. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 4.0 | Standings         East: 11.7 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Indiana Pacers: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Honestly, they were a lot more interesting when their players were fighting in stands and discharging firearms. They'll be good enough to knock off some top teams, but not good enough to be a top team themselves. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Roy Hibbert's showing promise, and we all know Darren Collison can play. If Danny Granger stays healthy, this club could climb the ladder and be in the fight to serve as cannon fodder for Miami in the first round. I'd be shocked if they actually got the eighth seed, though.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Pacers made one of the best trades of the summer, swapping Troy Murphy for Darren Collison. But the Pacers are young, don't play D and are going to killed on the boards. Given the relative weakness of the rest of the teams in the East, however, Indiana has a chance at the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Picking up Darren Collison finally gives the Pacers a direction at point guard. But the rest of the team lacks the talent to give Danny Granger the help he needs. Even a perfectly healthy season can't get Larry Bird's team a much-needed financial boost from playoff revenue. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Indy's stuck -- they were 9th, 9th and 10th the past three years and remain just good enough to miss the playoffs. The big Murphy-for-Collison trade opened one weakness to fill another: They finally have a point guard but will likely finish last in Rebound Rate. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Danny Granger is a legitimate 20- to 25-points-a-night scorer. He has proved that two years in a row. But I don't think he is the kind of guy you can hang your hat on. And I don't think the culture is there defensively to make this a team you have to take seriously. Darren Collison will get guys shots.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Is it too early to proclaim T.J. Ford the most likely to be traded? He has held that spot among rival GMs for more than a year. Lance Stephenson has already blown the best Pacers prop bet: Which happens first: a two-game winning streak, or having a player arrested. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Do the Pacers make a trade during the season or wait until the summer when they finally, after years of anticipation, revel in some cap space? That question hangs over this team, which at least should be more watchable than some of Indy's recent squads thanks to Darren Collison's arrival/Hibbert's improvement. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Larry Legend is overseeing a rebuilding job that's lasting as long as his playing career. Despite annual tweaks, Indiana is always a player or two from contending. Danny Granger will either be a catalyst for a playoff push or a trade chip to gut the roster and start over again. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 13 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Unoffically the Pacers are biding their time until they have cap space next year to fully rebuild. Their goal this year is to work on prospects like Darren Collison, Tyler Hansbrough and Paul George. And to trade anyone with a long-term deal. Anyone. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 3.8 | Standings         East: 11.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Miami Heat: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Rash of preseason injuries a good reminder that this won't happen instantly for them. It took two years when Shaq arrived and it will take two years for this group's ascent to greatness. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]It may take a few weeks to work out the kinks, but once the Heat get rolling, it's on. Dwyane Wade will lead them in scoring and Chris Bosh may even score more than LeBron James. But LeBron will bring it all together by playing like a PG and averaging a near triple-double. Heat D will be wicked. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]All of the concerns about chemistry are going to disappear in a few weeks. The most surprising thing is the depth the team managed to piece together -- the Heat will have a weakness in the middle, but their strength everywhere else gives them a terrific shot at winning it all.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Hate the team for creating its super trio. Hate LeBron James for his decisions this summer. Hate Chris Bosh for wanting to be the best third option in the league. Just don't let the hate keep you from watching this team. Heat basketball is must-see every single game. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Yes, the Heat still have to prove it on the court. On paper, however, this appears to be one of the best teams ever assembled. If the Big Three of James, Wade and Bosh stay healthy, the only team that can beat them is the one in the mirror.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have been banged up the past few years. There will be times when only one or two of the big three are healthy. They have three guys who can all carry the offense. They have all the offense you need. Now it's a matter of whether they will be good enough defensively. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Apologies to Jeff Van Gundy, but I see 66 wins as their max. In a playoff matchup with Boston, I'll pick the C's. Q: When was the last time LeBron led his team to a major win? Don't say the 2008 Olympics, because he disappeared in the fourth quarter against Spain. A better choice would be 2006: Game 5 against Detroit.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Any issues that the SuperFriends have dealing with opposition size should be mitigated by the fact that the Heat will be ridiculously hard to guard ... at least until they have to deal with the Lakers in the Finals. They have to be the East favorites, crowded as the conference is at the top.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Heat made championship moves with free-agency additions of reigning two-time MVP LeBron James and five-time All-Star Chris Bosh to join catalyst Dwyane Wade in South Florida. Miami celebrated that summer coup as if it won a title in July. Anything less than a Finals berth is a failure. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Their margin of error most nights will be large because they have three stars who can win games by themselves. Growing pains or not, they should pile up a large win total. But the uncertainty at center, plus unfamiliarity with stars' roles does leave them with a weak spot or two, just to make things interesting. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 1.2 | Standings         East: 1.4 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Milwaukee Bucks: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]The league's most useful roster: John Salmons, Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Corey Maggette, Drew Gooden, Ersan Ilyasova give Scott Skiles all kinds of options, and you know he'll force them to play defense. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Made great moves without signing a big name. Corey Maggette provides major scoring pop off the pine, and Drew Gooden is a younger version of Kurt Thomas. If Andrew Bogut is healthy, Bucks will be dangerous. "Young Money'' (B Jennings) has fire in his eyes and wants to solidify his name among the top points. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The keys are Andrew Bogut and the development of Brandon Jennings. Bogut claims he won't be 100 percent, which could pose issues. Jennings got off to a hot start before cooling in the second half. If he takes better shots and cuts down on TOs, the Bucks should be able to repeat last season's success [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Bucks still don't have a star go-to player, but Brandon Jennings' patience and Milwaukee's new role players will give the offense enough direction during crunch time. However, do the Bucks have enough outside shooting between Jennings, Carlos Delfino and Ersan Ilyasova to keep the floor spaced and the offense flowing? [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Fear the Deer? Yes. The Bucks will eliminate last season's massive free throw disparity with human foul magnet Corey Maggette, and they'll have John Salmons for 82 games instead of 30. Andrew Bogut's elbow is a legit worry, but the good news far outweighs the bad. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]I'm not sure what Brandon Jennings is going to be. He caught everyone by surprise in the beginning of last season, but then his numbers began to fall off. He has to find a way to make other people better. He's a young guard; he'll figure it out. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]If Andrew Bogut's arm was 100 percent healthy, I'd have them right there with Orlando contending for the No. 3 spot in the East. No disrespect to Keyon Dooling, but I think they'll miss Luke Ridnour more than they imagined. A 5-10 win improvement on last season's 48 wins seems within reach. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]There will be too much focus on the top of the East ladder, thanks to Miami and Boston, for the Bucks to get much notice. But if Andrew Bogut's health cooperates after that unspeakably gruesome elbow injury, these guys will give Chicago its biggest push in the Central. And if the Bulls keep racking up injuries ... [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]If Oklahoma City was the surprise in the West last season, the Bucks fit that description in the East. Coach Scott Skiles and guard Brandon Jennings are back for another playoff push. The Bucks added nice pieces to the bench. And if Andrew Bogut can stay healthy, fear the deer this year. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 6 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Despite his ball-hogging reputation, Corey Maggette is one of the NBA's most efficient scorers. He's now joining an excellent perimeter with Brandon Jennings and John Salmons on a sleeper team. Andrew Bogut isn't 100 percent yet, but if he recovers, the Bucks will have a nice season. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 1.7 | Standings         East: 5.1 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For New Jersey Nets: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]If they don't care about their 2009-10 season, why should we? Summer moves were about avoiding jumbo contracts that would clog the salary cap later. Check back when they're in Brooklyn, maybe with Melo. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Jumping from 12 Ws to the playoffs sounds unrealistic, but this was not a 12-win team. You've got borderline All-Stars at PG (Devin Harris) and C (Brook Lopez). Avery Johnson won't settle for the slackness the Nets wallowed in last year so watch the Lil' General lead them to the season's biggest turnaround.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Nets shook up their roster, but it's unclear how much it's going to help. Derrick Favors was their best acquisition, but he doesn't look ready to dominate. Travis Outlaw, Troy Murphy, Anthony Morrow and Jordan Farmar will help them win more, but I think they'll be stuck in the East basement. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The offseason additions weren't ideal, but installing Avery Johnson as coach makes up for it. It will be tough to put a team coming off a 12-win season into the playoffs, but Johnson's leadership puts the Nets on the right track.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]They'll be miles better than a year ago, and you can move them up a few notches if they score Carmelo Anthony. But Melo or not, they still lack the depth and defensive mettle -- especially in the frontcourt -- to crash the playoffs, even in the dilapidated East. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Twelve wins was an aberration last year. Now you look at the situation: Avery Johnson comes in, he knows how to coach defense, he knows how to coach talent. His relationship with Devin Harris is critical, and I think it will work. Avery is the kind of guy this team needs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]The go-to guy down the stretch is going to be Brook Lopez, whereas last season it was Lopez or Yi Jianlian when they won just 12 games. Have to wonder whether Avery Johnson has already lost the support of Devin Harris after the Nets were prepared to move him in a Carmelo Anthony deal. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Nets could grudgingly rationalize their inability to turn Mikhail Prokhorov's riches into a major free-agent score in the Russian billionaire's first-ever NBA summer. It's going to be WAY harder to get over their near-trade for Carmelo Anthony unraveling just as training camps were starting. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Nets weren't as bad as their league-worst 12-70 record last season. Injuries gutted the team. Then, they were the biggest losers in free agency. But there's a new owner, a new coach in Avery Johnson and expectations for a playoff push -- if they can find pesticide for that injury bug. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]They weren't as bad as their record indicated last season. But they were also the big losers of all the cap space flush teams over the summer. Their only impact addition is a raw Derrick Favors. Without a big trade they are not a playoff team. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 3.5 | Standings         East: 11.2 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For New York Knicks: 2010-11[/h3]
[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Troubling NY Post Anthony Randolph-Kenny Walker comparison aside, Amare Stoudemire, Timofey Mozgov and Raymond Felton will bring some life back to the Garden. Not sold on shooting and defense, and those are kinda important in the NBA.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Amare Stoudemire loves the attention as the new face of the Knicks, but he better deliver a playoff spot or that attention will get ugly fast. Amare and his nice cast of role players should reach the postseason. Their D will be typically atrocious, and that will be their undoing if they indeed miss the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Amare Stoudemire, Raymond Felton and Anthony Randolph aren't exactly LeBron and Bosh, but they'll be enough to help Mike D'Antoni finally field a proper playoff team. But Donnie Walsh will have to find a way to get a player like Carmelo Anthony to get the team back into the elite. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Knicks' consolation prize from free agency is far from a worst-case scenario. Amare Stoudemire might not be what New York was hoping for, but he'll give it a much-needed go-to scorer. Add Raymond Felton's ability to run the pick-and-roll, and this team can back into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]After two years of waiting for 2010 ... it's 2010! Party on Knicks fans, your team actually has a chance this season. The folks in MSG will be elated enough to forget that James Dolan a) still owns the team and b) tried to re-hire Isiah Thomas this summer.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Obviously it was a letdown not getting LeBron James, but they still got Amare Stoudemire. He is comfortable with the Mike D'Antoni system. They are going to play an uptempo style and he is going to put up huge numbers. Anthony Randolph is a guy I love. Raymond Felton could have a breakout year. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]They have set making the playoffs as their goal, which means basically a posting .500 record while hoping Carmelo Anthony plays out his contract and becoms an unrestricted free agent. Bench scoring is going to be an issue. The defense should be stronger, but can't say the same about rebounding. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Put me in the camp that dares to believe that the Knicks, with Amare Stoudemire, can sneak into the playoffs. I've said from the beginning that Stoudemire has the requisite bravado to stand up to the unique pressures of Gotham. And there's (probably) enough around him to snag one of the last two playoff slots.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]They went hard after LeBron, but ended up with Amare. At least the Knicks didn't go empty-handed like the Nets in the peak of free agency. But Madison Square Garden will be filled with mediocrity again -- unless a midseason deal can be swung to acquire Carmelo Anthony. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 9 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]That Jared Jerffries trade may haunt them all season as Donnie Walsh struggles to turn the Eddy Curry trade chip into something. But at least now they are actually looking at trades to get better. If nothing else, former Suns big man Amare Stoudemire makes them a playoff contender. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 2.3 | Standings         East: 7.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Orlando Magic: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]A new arena, an Olajuwonated Dwight Howard, an instant in-state rival ... and most importantly some familiarity for a roster that added five new players last season. It's their chance to grab a ring before the Heat start running things. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Dwight Howard will be better and make a serious case for MVP, but the Magic as a whole are declining. They'll still win lots of games, but with Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis just another year older, they're heading in the wrong direction. Bottom line: they should've paid Hedo![/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Magic have the best big man in basketball, two elite veteran scorers, a healthy Jameer Nelson and a deep, deep bench. They're also perfectly constructed to give the Heat some fits. Their biggest issue? Can they get past the Celtics to actually play the Heat in the Eastern Conference finals? [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Magic likely will roll through the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. Dwight Howard & Co. will kill opponents with precision. But can Orlando find ways to win if teams stay out on its shooters and force Howard to beat them? [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Magic are the East's wild card because of Dwight Howard, the only player for whom the Heat have no answer. Unfortunately, the Magic still have no answer for opponents that single-cover Howard successfully, an Achilles heel that's keeping them from a title. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Statistically, Dwight Howard is dominant enough to get a team a title, but I don't know if he is the guy to get you there. Most nights he'll lead the way, but in the postseason when they are playing a team like Boston or Miami, will that be enough to get Orlando over the hump? I'm not sure. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]

[/td][td][/td][/tr][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]They are developing quite the reputation as a nice team that you would never wager a dime on to win the championship. Vince Carter is very close to being the next T-Mac, and Rashard Lewis could be two years away from being considered the same thing unless and until he has a breakout series. [tr][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Really want to believe Dwight Howard made offensive strides in the offseason and that the Magic can make the new East even more fascinating by rebounding from the absolute punking they took in the East finals. Instinct, however, has me expecting nothing more than a better record than Boston's.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Magic aren't hard to figure out. If their shots fall from deep, the inside-outside game around Dwight Howard is unstoppable. But there's a tendency with Orlando to implode under pressure. The next time Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis answer the postseason call will be the first. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 3 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This team is so good and so deep, and it has the assets to make an impact trade. When the Magic play their best, they are also one of the best defensive teams. But to win it all they need Dwight Howard to play at an MVP level at both ends. We've not seen him become the player he can be -- yet. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 1.8 | Standings         East: 1.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Philadelphia 76ers: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Doug Collins will find a better way to utilize Andre Iguodala and the Sixers will play better defense -- although they don't have the shot-blocking presence of Samuel Dalembert anymore. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]This is a mismatched bunch. Elton Brand doesn't fit with a group of poor-shooting slashers, and it's possible they won't fit Doug Collins' typically slow tempo. If they're somehow able to reach their potential, they'll get one of the last two postseason seeds. But I'm betting against that.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Andrea Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday and rookie Evan Turner give the Sixers a great young core, but a super weak frontline, led by an aging Elton Brand, means that even Doug Collins could be in for a long, long season. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Sixers have to figure out how to develop Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday into cornerstones of this team. That probably means sacrificing wins this season and possibly frustrating their veterans. Don't envy Doug Collins' job this season. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Even if Evan Turner bombs, the 76ers will surprise. Sure, Doug Collins will nit-pick them to death, but in the short term he'll improve them substantially. He lacks an A-list star but has serious young talent with Iguodala, Speights, Williams, Young and Holiday. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Finally the carousel has stopped. Doug Collins is going to command respect. They will play harder and be more creative offensively, but they aren't very smart. They don't take care of the ball, and Collins will get frustrated with some of the young players. Does he have the stamina to see this project through? [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Nice to have Doug Collins back. Would be nice to see Evan Turner become something special, but in the preseason he hasn't shown a lot. You have to wonder when during the season they'll realize the key to long-term success is moving Elton Brand. I'll put that over/under at Jan. 18. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]When Evan Turner followed up a lackluster showing in summer league with an equally underwhelming preseason -- combined with Doug Collins' recent claim that he's never taken on a tougher coaching job -- you stopped hearing the previously popular suggestion that Philly is a playoff sleeper in the East. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Doug Collins was the sentimental choice to take over as coach. He's already at a crossroads. Do you focus on developing the young core of rookie No. 2 pick Evan Turner, Lou Williams and Marreese Speights? Or do you try to win now with veterans Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand? [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 14 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]The Sixers better hope Evan Turner is just a slow starter. They cannot afford to have made a mistake with that pick. All those trades/free-agent signings over last three years and roster still doesn't seem to fit all that well together. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 3.3 | Standings         East: 10.6 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Toronto Raptors: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Even if Chris Bosh's mind was elsewhere last season he still gave the Raptors 24 and 11 when he was on the court. Where are they gonna get that from? And those points and boards will be easier to find than a lineup with five good defenders on this squad. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Jay Triano is blessed. So is Bryan Colangelo, for that matter. In many cities, they'd be history. The Raptors won't go anywhere until they realize this is the NBA, not the Euro-league. They better get more guys who can defend at least a little bit. Bright note: DeMar Derozan. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Raptors imploded this summer. What they have left doesn't inspire confidence. If they win 40 with a healthy Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu, what can they win without them? The combo of Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Linas Kleiza and Leandro Barbosa sounds more like a Euroleague contender. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]They won't be able to stop anybody, and it's hard to figure out whether Andrea Bargnani or DeMar DeRozan will be the No. 1 scorer going forward. But this team will fight as much as it can, which will be a refreshing change from last season. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Raps were the league's worst defensive team last season and don't have a player who ranked in the top 75 in PER. Optimists note they're deep and have lots of shooters, and the D might improve if they actually try this year. Regardless, they're lottery fodder. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Chemistry will be better. They've had some problems in the locker room. Now you've sacrificed talent for that chemistry. Where is this team really going to find the offensive production it needs nightly? They have brought in a couple of role players -- Leandro Barbosa and Linas Kleiza -- for bigger roles. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Jay Triano was a broadcaster for Canadian television during the 2008 Olympics and was invaluable as an assistant to Mike Krzyzewski with Team USA last summer in Turkey. He'll have a tough time making it through December with Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu gone.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]What's happening to the Raps post-Chris Bosh, speaking purely as a Canada lover, is tough to watch or write about. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Quick, name Toronto's five starters. OK, try three. Two? Give up? Well, the Raptors insist they won't. But they will spend the season trying to recover from two major mistakes: Allowing Chris Bosh to walk in free agency for nothing, and that failed Hedo Turkoglu experiment. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]The talent level has decreased. It has not helped the outlook that Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon didn't have good preseasons, either. Leandro Barbosa looks like he's headed for a strong year if he stays healthy, a rare bright spot. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 4.9 | Standings         East: 14.6 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Washington Wizards: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]I'm bullish on the Bullets, er Wizards. Speed (John Wall) and size (JaVale McGee), and perhaps a taste of winning will be enough to keep the heads of guys like Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche in the game. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]If Gilbert Arenas didn't have three years, $60 million (after this season!) left on his deal, I'd say the Wiz should deactivate him and send him on another vacation. But John Wall's brilliance (not to mention their other young talent) notwithstanding, this club won't reach its full potential until Agent Zero's gone. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]With John Wall in the fold, a contrite albeit unpredictable Gilbert Arenas back, veteran Kirk Hinrich anchoring the bench and the emerging play of big men Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee, the Wiz will be better than people think. They may not be ready for the playoffs, but the Wiz finally have a future. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast 4

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Wizards' season is not about seeing how John Wall fits into the NBA. It's about seeing which of his teammates fit with him. Washington will be holding tryouts all season for the future of the franchise. It's up to the young guys to prove themselves as worthy teammates. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The excitement over the dawn of the John Wall era is tempered by the fact that neither the Gilbert Arenas nor Ernie Grunfeld eras have ended. This roster probably has the league's lowest basketball IQ, and, no, acquiring Yi Jianlian and Al Thornton didn't help.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]John Wall is the best thing to ever happen to Gilbert Arenas. Now Arenas can go be what he really is, which is an off-the-ball scorer. Now he doesn't have to worry about getting others involved because you have someone else to do that. You have a real point guard on the roster. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Ladies and gents, your sleeper team. And I'll say that even before finding out what they'll get for Gilbert Arenas (Elton Brand?). David Thorpe has been raving about Yi Jianlian after working him out earlier this summer, and he looked much more confident in Turkey than he did last season in NJ. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Too soon to throw the P-word (playoffs) around after everything that happened to the Wiz last season? Given the disconcerting preseason we've seen from Gilbert Arenas, probably. But the seventh and eighth slots in the East are wide open. Dare I say that's a race that a John Wall-led team can win.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]John Wall and the young Wizards will be fun to watch -- even if they won't win enough games this season to be a threat. Washington might need an executive order from President Obama to line up a taker for Gilbert Arenas, who could seriously stunt this team's growth. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld did a great job giving this franchise hope with his moves over the last eight months. Yes, No.1 pick John Wall makes them intriguing but the steals of Kirk Hinrich and Yi Jianlian are what return them to respectability. Plus, Gilbert Arenas is still pretty good. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 4.2 | Standings         East: 9.3 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]

[/h3]

 

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[h3]Predicted Finish For Atlanta Hawks: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]They stayed the same when teams all over the East were loading up. They're fine physically, which made their mental checkout in the playoffs even more alarming. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]The Hawks have reached their ceiling. They need a big-time frontcourt star to join the elite. Josh Smith is strong but may never take the leap his talent says he can. Al Horford is very good but not great. They should be better and more fluid offensively under Larry Drew, but defensively they could suffer. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Hawks broke the bank to re-sign Joe Johnson and seem to have a late first-round gem in Jordan Crawford. Josh Smith, Al Horford and Marvin Williams intrigue, but they can't continue to use youth as an excuse. If the Hawks can't turn the corner this season, it may be time to shake up this team. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Whatever new coach Larry Drew runs with the Hawks offensively this season, it will be better received after six seasons of Mike Woodson's play calling. Getting Al Horford some help defending the paint will be the key to getting home-court advantage in Round 1. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Hawks basically had everything go right last season and won 53; that's the ceiling. With virtually the same team we can't expect a collapse, but between a bit more adversity and likely declines from the three main backcourt players, they'll land in the mid-40s. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]They were exposed in the playoffs as a team that, when they play against great defensive teams, the ball got very stagnant. It didn't change sides of the floor and there was a lot of one-on-one play. They re-signed Joe Johnson; is he a max player? Now he has to earn it. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Still boggles the mind that this was the third-best team in the East last season, going by regular-season record. Then the playoffs happened, and we saw what they were really made of. They are still playoff material, no doubt, but they'll be road kill again if they face Boston, Miami or Orlando in the first round. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Joe Johnson somehow landed last summer's biggest contract and Larry Drew got just about the least lucrative contract that a coach can receive, when Johnson really needed more help and Drew didn't need a low-dollar deal undermining his authority. Two big reasons why the Hawks are going to slip.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Some teams got better in the offseason. Some grew worse. The Hawks essentially stood still, and settled simply for re-signing Joe Johnson to a max deal. Replacing Mike Woodson with Larry Drew won't be enough to shake things up and get the Hawks beyond the first round of the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 5 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]They're talented, they're fairly deep, and they are the exact same team that has been swept out of the second round in the last two years. Can new coach Larry Drew change that cycle? Not unless he's got a trick up his sleeve we haven't seen yet. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 3.1 | Standings         East: 5.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Boston Celtics: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Lots to like: They're defending conference champs who still feel the need to prove they're not too old, and they've brought the fun side of Shaq back out. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Regular-season record won't be indicative of how good Celtics are. East is between them and the Heat. If Big Three is healthy and can play in the playoffs like they did last season, Celtics could ruin Lakers-Heat dream Finals. Boston has nice advantage at PG and C over Miami. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Did the Celtics make their last gasp in the playoffs? I have my concerns. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are all on the downsides of their careers. Ditto for the Celtics' two new O'Neals -- Jermaine and Shaq. However, with Rajon Rondo running the point, I expect they'll make another deep run[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]A healthy Kevin Garnett means a much more motivated regular-season team than what we saw over the final 54 regular-season games of last season. The pickups of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal give Boston plenty of time and patience to make sure Kendrick Perkins is ready for the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Boston to win the Atlantic seems the safest pick on the board. A better question is whether their record will be any better than a year ago given their strong 2010 playoffs. Many look at that run and say yes; the history of previous such squads says probably not.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]This is a team that is obviously built for the postseason. They aren't going to make a run at 60 wins. Doc Rivers is going to pace them and get them ready for the playoffs. They have a formidable trio and Rajon Rondo. They looked at Miami and had to make moves to counter. They went and got bigger.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]One question pops to mind after being briefed by NBA officials and then seeing first-hand the technical foul crackdown: Is KG the new Sheed? They are built, manpower and position-wise, to defeat the Heat if they meet in May. I think they can. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Celtics proved that they can be borderline mediocre for more than half the season and still do as much playoff damage as anyone. And now they're deeper than they've been since the C's super team in 1986. The risk is that cruising could stick them with Miami in the second round instead of Orlando. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are back for, perhaps, one last run at a title. Adding 14 feet of O'Neals (Shaq and Jermaine) gives the Celtics more post depth than Miami and enough beef to frustrate Orlando. But the C's best move was retaining coach Doc Rivers. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Last year during the preseason Kevin Garnett was dragging his leg up the floor, Rasheed Wallace was out of shape and Ray Allen was facing a contract year. And the Celtics still ended up in Game 7. These guys are much more settled this time around. Then again, it could be the end of the road.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 1.0 | Standings         East: 2.8 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Charlotte Bobcats: 2010-11[/h3]
[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]It won't be enough, but Larry Brown will squeeze extra wins from this team. And speaking of extra, Boris Diaw looks as if he spent the summer saying "Plus de croissants." [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Ray Felton wasn't great but his presence will be missed. Plus, I'm betting Larry Brown is going to wear out his welcome this season and usher in a bit of chaos. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Bobcats made the playoffs last season, but I don't see them repeating the feat this year. Not after losing the team's starting point guard and center. Larry Brown has a knack for getting the most out of players, but I struggle to believe that they can repeat last season's performance with this squad. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]It's hard to see a D.J. Augustin-run team in the playoffs. But it's also hard to think about Larry Brown sitting idly by and not making a trade to address this need at point guard. The Bobcats' defense is still good enough to lift them to back-to-back playoff berths. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]They lost Raymond Felton unnecessarily and replaced him with Shaun Livingston. They traded Tyson Chandler in a salary dump that saved no money. They have no draft pick and no cap space. Barring a minor miracle (say, Boris Diaw for Devin Harris), they're hosed. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]They are a team that plays hard and they defend. The question is when a group of guys plays for Larry Brown for a while, their shelf life gets a little stale. I wonder if he will be able to stay with this team for the entire season. They won 44 games a year ago. Big question is at point guard. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Over/under on when Larry Brown proclaims he's thinking of leaving the profession for good because it is too hard living apart from his family: Feb. 1. Over/under on when Brown proclaims he misses Ray Felton's toughness: Dec. 1. Over/under on wins: 37. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The playoffs are still a decent possibility with only six East playoff locks. Yet it's equally possible MJ's first full season of majority ownership will be spent confronting the possibility that this roster has peaked, struggling to overcome the Bobs' payroll and managing his shaky partnership with Larry Brown. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Larry Brown is testing the theory of addition by subtraction, having parted with starting PG Raymond Felton and center Tyson Chandler after leading this version of the franchise to its first playoff appearance. Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace sneak this squad back into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]How did the team respond to finally making the playoffs? By losing ground over the summer. This team still has quality pieces but it simply isn't as good as it was last year while the rest of its division has been in an arms race. How long will Larry Brown stand for it? [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 4.7 | Standings         East: 9.7 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Chicago Bulls: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Isn't Tom Thibodeau supposed to be a defensive guy? So why is Chicago's offense looking so fast-paced and fun? Like this squad a lot, even while Carlos Boozer's out. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Bulls are essentially Utah East. Heck, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer are former Jazz men! Throw in the great PG (D-Rose vs. D-Will) and special role players (Noah, Deng, Gibson vs. Millsap, Okur, Kirilenko) and you've got a team that is very good, but not good enough to win the East.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Had Carlos Boozer not tripped over a suitcase, breaking his pinky, I'd have the Bulls ranked higher. The combination of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Boozer is an intriguing one. If the Bulls can get someone to knock down a shot or two, they could be a very dangerous team. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Carlos Boozer's injury hurts because the Bulls don't get to start the season at full strength. Derrick Rose 's continued ascension into the superstar conversation coincides nicely with the arrival of Tom Thibodeau and his style of wreaking defensive mayhem. They'll need lots of outside shooting to make the leap.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Derrick Rose is a rising star, Carlos Boozer adds a serious frontcourt weapon, and they'll almost certainly be better coached. But let's all calm down a bit: They'll be in the bottom five in 3s, they have a shallow bench and Booz is already hurt. They're good, but flawed. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Carlos Boozer is the one free agent who didn't get enough attention. He'll have a dynamic point guard in Derrick Rose. Boozer gives this team a 20-and-10 player night in, night out. Joakim Noah likes to run the floor. Boozer is a back-to-the-basket player. They will work well together. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Looking at roster spots 1 through 5, I like 'em a lot. Six through 12, not so much. After years and years of waiting, Tom Thibodeau gets his shot at coaching from the first seat on the bench, and those who know coaches tell me Tibs will be worth 10 wins all by himself. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]I've said it before and will say it again: I applaud the Boozer/Korver signings after missing out on the big names, expect Chicago to win the Central and FIRMLY oppose the idea of giving up a long-limbed defensive anchor of Joakim Noah's caliber for Melo, no matter how fearsome Melo is a scorer. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]These aren't Michael's Bulls. But no team north of South Beach did more to improve in free agency. Chicago has a low-post game with Carlos Boozer joining Joakim Noah. Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer will excel off Derrick Rose. Here's a legit dark horse to reach conference finals. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This was a Bulls team on the brink even before its free-agent pickups led by Carlos Boozer. Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were fantastic in the playoffs last season and neither was 100 percent. The Bulls have the ingredients to be a darkhorse contender, led by their sheer size. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 1.3 | Standings         East: 4.2 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Cleveland Cavaliers: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Since 2007 the Cavaliers have lost 13 of the 14 games they've played without LeBron, so I'm afraid to do the projections of them playing 82 games without him. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]No team has a bigger chip on its shoulder than the Cavs, who want to show the world they're not the scrubs they're perceived to be. Willpower only gets you so far, though. Eventually, talent wins, and while the Cavs will have their feel-good moments, they just don't have the firepower. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Without LeBron, the Cavs are a hodgepodge collection of solid role players who will struggle to win 30. Can vets like Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao, Ramon Sessions and Antawn Jamison improve now that they're no longer under LeBron's shadow? Can Harrison Barnes save the team next year? [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]You-know-who is gone, and it will be up to the veterans on the team to keep this squad competitive. But being competitive doesn't always translate to wins. Dealing veterans for assets and seeing what J.J. Hickson can give are the first steps in the rebuilding process. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]I feel like I'm pouring salt into an open wound every time I'm asked to assess the 2010-11 Cavs. No, it probably won't be pretty. They'll need everything to go perfectly just to grab an 8-seed. But keep an eye on Ramon Sessions after his liberation from Minnesota. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Despite Dan Gilbert's proclamation that they are going to win a championship before LeBron will, they don't have enough talent to back that up. Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison are the guys they are going to count on, but are they going to be good enough defensively? [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]From 61-21 to 21-61? Yep, I could see that. I know 21 wins may seem high, but have you seen how weak some of the other dregs of the East are? Another piece of fantasy advice: Grab J.J. Hickson, who could have changed the Cavs' fortunes in Game 5 against Boston if Mike Brown had gone to him. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]I don't see what's left of the Cavaliers sneaking into the playoffs, but I also won't be surprised to see the Cavs exceed the widely morose expectations that lead to the sort of suggestions -- like we just witnessed on the "NBA Tonight Roundtable" -- that 30.5 wins is a suitable over/under. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The team LeBron James abandoned won't completely hit rock bottom with his departure, but the tumble will be steep. Think the Jacksons without Michael. The Commodores without Lionel. The Kardashians without Kim. The lakefront without the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 11 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Obviously they're still reeling from the loss of LeBron James. Hard to judge them because injuries have made it impossible for Byron Scott to even see what his new team looks like. They could become a fringe playoff team or sink to the very bottom depending on if they use their $14.5 million trade exception to improve. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 4.2 | Standings         East: 12.2 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Detroit Pistons: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]The only bright spots are the expiring contracts of Tayshaun Prince and Chris Wilcox. The Pistons need to get back to a defensive mentality; it worked best for them, and they have one of the few fan bases that appreciates it. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Times are tough all-around in Motown. They finally get T-Mac, but alas, it's way too late. Austin Daye and Greg Monroe have nice potential, and a true point guard would help them reach it. Rodney Stuckey, for all his ability, is more two than one. He'd be best as a third guard who came off the bench firing.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Pistons struggled with injuries last season and it dramatically affected their win total. Now that everyone's healthy, I'm still struggling to see how this team fits together. They have plenty of talent on the perimeter, but unless Austin Daye and Greg Monroe really step up, they're going to get killed in the paint. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Pistons have a lot of superfluous parts at the wing positions and not enough depth or talent everywhere else. Rodney Stuckey is up against the development wall for this team, and the interior needs Greg Monroe to be good right away. At least the Pistons don't have more cap space to misuse. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]While they'll remain unwatchable, the Pistons may be half-decent. Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Tayshaun Prince should be healthier and, thus, better than a year ago, and I like rookie Greg Monroe. Unfortunately, they have 23 perimeter players and two bigs. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]They have changed their identity and are no longer a team that locks you down for six minutes at a time so you can't score. They are an offensive-minded team with a lot of guys who can score. On any given night, if they have it going they can beat anybody. Tracy McGrady is the big X factor. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Was going to place them below Indiana in my division standings preview, but can't justify it after comparing their respective rosters -- and that is without including T-Mac, who I expect to see for no more than 41 games. Still scratching my head over the Ben Gordon/Charlie Villanueva signings. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]T-Mac's comeback and the prospect of a trade involving Rip Hamilton or Tayshaun Price, significant as they seem as Pistons topics, pale in comparison to the real story: When will this team be sold and how many changes will be enacted by the Mike Illitch regime ... if Ilitch indeed gets the team.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace are still around in Motown. But make no mistake, these are clearly the artists formerly known as the Detroit Pistons. Joe Dumars is one of the most respected execs in the league. But it's hard to tell in which direction this franchise is headed. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 10 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]From a pure talent standpoint, this team should have enough to contend for the playoffs. But injuries and underachievement questions will continue to dog it until it proves otherwise. Also, what does it get from a potential Tayshaun Prince trade? Lots of mystery here. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 4.0 | Standings         East: 11.7 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Indiana Pacers: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Honestly, they were a lot more interesting when their players were fighting in stands and discharging firearms. They'll be good enough to knock off some top teams, but not good enough to be a top team themselves. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Roy Hibbert's showing promise, and we all know Darren Collison can play. If Danny Granger stays healthy, this club could climb the ladder and be in the fight to serve as cannon fodder for Miami in the first round. I'd be shocked if they actually got the eighth seed, though.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Pacers made one of the best trades of the summer, swapping Troy Murphy for Darren Collison. But the Pacers are young, don't play D and are going to killed on the boards. Given the relative weakness of the rest of the teams in the East, however, Indiana has a chance at the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Picking up Darren Collison finally gives the Pacers a direction at point guard. But the rest of the team lacks the talent to give Danny Granger the help he needs. Even a perfectly healthy season can't get Larry Bird's team a much-needed financial boost from playoff revenue. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Indy's stuck -- they were 9th, 9th and 10th the past three years and remain just good enough to miss the playoffs. The big Murphy-for-Collison trade opened one weakness to fill another: They finally have a point guard but will likely finish last in Rebound Rate. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Danny Granger is a legitimate 20- to 25-points-a-night scorer. He has proved that two years in a row. But I don't think he is the kind of guy you can hang your hat on. And I don't think the culture is there defensively to make this a team you have to take seriously. Darren Collison will get guys shots.[/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Is it too early to proclaim T.J. Ford the most likely to be traded? He has held that spot among rival GMs for more than a year. Lance Stephenson has already blown the best Pacers prop bet: Which happens first: a two-game winning streak, or having a player arrested. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Do the Pacers make a trade during the season or wait until the summer when they finally, after years of anticipation, revel in some cap space? That question hangs over this team, which at least should be more watchable than some of Indy's recent squads thanks to Darren Collison's arrival/Hibbert's improvement. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 3

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Larry Legend is overseeing a rebuilding job that's lasting as long as his playing career. Despite annual tweaks, Indiana is always a player or two from contending. Danny Granger will either be a catalyst for a playoff push or a trade chip to gut the roster and start over again. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 13 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Unoffically the Pacers are biding their time until they have cap space next year to fully rebuild. Their goal this year is to work on prospects like Darren Collison, Tyler Hansbrough and Paul George. And to trade anyone with a long-term deal. Anyone. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 3.8 | Standings         East: 11.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Miami Heat: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Rash of preseason injuries a good reminder that this won't happen instantly for them. It took two years when Shaq arrived and it will take two years for this group's ascent to greatness. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]It may take a few weeks to work out the kinks, but once the Heat get rolling, it's on. Dwyane Wade will lead them in scoring and Chris Bosh may even score more than LeBron James. But LeBron will bring it all together by playing like a PG and averaging a near triple-double. Heat D will be wicked. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]All of the concerns about chemistry are going to disappear in a few weeks. The most surprising thing is the depth the team managed to piece together -- the Heat will have a weakness in the middle, but their strength everywhere else gives them a terrific shot at winning it all.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Hate the team for creating its super trio. Hate LeBron James for his decisions this summer. Hate Chris Bosh for wanting to be the best third option in the league. Just don't let the hate keep you from watching this team. Heat basketball is must-see every single game. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Yes, the Heat still have to prove it on the court. On paper, however, this appears to be one of the best teams ever assembled. If the Big Three of James, Wade and Bosh stay healthy, the only team that can beat them is the one in the mirror.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have been banged up the past few years. There will be times when only one or two of the big three are healthy. They have three guys who can all carry the offense. They have all the offense you need. Now it's a matter of whether they will be good enough defensively. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Apologies to Jeff Van Gundy, but I see 66 wins as their max. In a playoff matchup with Boston, I'll pick the C's. Q: When was the last time LeBron led his team to a major win? Don't say the 2008 Olympics, because he disappeared in the fourth quarter against Spain. A better choice would be 2006: Game 5 against Detroit.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Any issues that the SuperFriends have dealing with opposition size should be mitigated by the fact that the Heat will be ridiculously hard to guard ... at least until they have to deal with the Lakers in the Finals. They have to be the East favorites, crowded as the conference is at the top.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Heat made championship moves with free-agency additions of reigning two-time MVP LeBron James and five-time All-Star Chris Bosh to join catalyst Dwyane Wade in South Florida. Miami celebrated that summer coup as if it won a title in July. Anything less than a Finals berth is a failure. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Their margin of error most nights will be large because they have three stars who can win games by themselves. Growing pains or not, they should pile up a large win total. But the uncertainty at center, plus unfamiliarity with stars' roles does leave them with a weak spot or two, just to make things interesting. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 1.2 | Standings         East: 1.4 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Milwaukee Bucks: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]The league's most useful roster: John Salmons, Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Corey Maggette, Drew Gooden, Ersan Ilyasova give Scott Skiles all kinds of options, and you know he'll force them to play defense. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Made great moves without signing a big name. Corey Maggette provides major scoring pop off the pine, and Drew Gooden is a younger version of Kurt Thomas. If Andrew Bogut is healthy, Bucks will be dangerous. "Young Money'' (B Jennings) has fire in his eyes and wants to solidify his name among the top points. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The keys are Andrew Bogut and the development of Brandon Jennings. Bogut claims he won't be 100 percent, which could pose issues. Jennings got off to a hot start before cooling in the second half. If he takes better shots and cuts down on TOs, the Bucks should be able to repeat last season's success [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Bucks still don't have a star go-to player, but Brandon Jennings' patience and Milwaukee's new role players will give the offense enough direction during crunch time. However, do the Bucks have enough outside shooting between Jennings, Carlos Delfino and Ersan Ilyasova to keep the floor spaced and the offense flowing? [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Fear the Deer? Yes. The Bucks will eliminate last season's massive free throw disparity with human foul magnet Corey Maggette, and they'll have John Salmons for 82 games instead of 30. Andrew Bogut's elbow is a legit worry, but the good news far outweighs the bad. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]I'm not sure what Brandon Jennings is going to be. He caught everyone by surprise in the beginning of last season, but then his numbers began to fall off. He has to find a way to make other people better. He's a young guard; he'll figure it out. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]If Andrew Bogut's arm was 100 percent healthy, I'd have them right there with Orlando contending for the No. 3 spot in the East. No disrespect to Keyon Dooling, but I think they'll miss Luke Ridnour more than they imagined. A 5-10 win improvement on last season's 48 wins seems within reach. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 1

East: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]There will be too much focus on the top of the East ladder, thanks to Miami and Boston, for the Bucks to get much notice. But if Andrew Bogut's health cooperates after that unspeakably gruesome elbow injury, these guys will give Chicago its biggest push in the Central. And if the Bulls keep racking up injuries ... [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]If Oklahoma City was the surprise in the West last season, the Bucks fit that description in the East. Coach Scott Skiles and guard Brandon Jennings are back for another playoff push. The Bucks added nice pieces to the bench. And if Andrew Bogut can stay healthy, fear the deer this year. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 6 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Despite his ball-hogging reputation, Corey Maggette is one of the NBA's most efficient scorers. He's now joining an excellent perimeter with Brandon Jennings and John Salmons on a sleeper team. Andrew Bogut isn't 100 percent yet, but if he recovers, the Bucks will have a nice season. [/td][td]

[h3]Central: 2

East: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Central: 1.7 | Standings         East: 5.1 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For New Jersey Nets: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]If they don't care about their 2009-10 season, why should we? Summer moves were about avoiding jumbo contracts that would clog the salary cap later. Check back when they're in Brooklyn, maybe with Melo. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Jumping from 12 Ws to the playoffs sounds unrealistic, but this was not a 12-win team. You've got borderline All-Stars at PG (Devin Harris) and C (Brook Lopez). Avery Johnson won't settle for the slackness the Nets wallowed in last year so watch the Lil' General lead them to the season's biggest turnaround.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Nets shook up their roster, but it's unclear how much it's going to help. Derrick Favors was their best acquisition, but he doesn't look ready to dominate. Travis Outlaw, Troy Murphy, Anthony Morrow and Jordan Farmar will help them win more, but I think they'll be stuck in the East basement. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The offseason additions weren't ideal, but installing Avery Johnson as coach makes up for it. It will be tough to put a team coming off a 12-win season into the playoffs, but Johnson's leadership puts the Nets on the right track.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]They'll be miles better than a year ago, and you can move them up a few notches if they score Carmelo Anthony. But Melo or not, they still lack the depth and defensive mettle -- especially in the frontcourt -- to crash the playoffs, even in the dilapidated East. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Twelve wins was an aberration last year. Now you look at the situation: Avery Johnson comes in, he knows how to coach defense, he knows how to coach talent. His relationship with Devin Harris is critical, and I think it will work. Avery is the kind of guy this team needs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]The go-to guy down the stretch is going to be Brook Lopez, whereas last season it was Lopez or Yi Jianlian when they won just 12 games. Have to wonder whether Avery Johnson has already lost the support of Devin Harris after the Nets were prepared to move him in a Carmelo Anthony deal. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Nets could grudgingly rationalize their inability to turn Mikhail Prokhorov's riches into a major free-agent score in the Russian billionaire's first-ever NBA summer. It's going to be WAY harder to get over their near-trade for Carmelo Anthony unraveling just as training camps were starting. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Nets weren't as bad as their league-worst 12-70 record last season. Injuries gutted the team. Then, they were the biggest losers in free agency. But there's a new owner, a new coach in Avery Johnson and expectations for a playoff push -- if they can find pesticide for that injury bug. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]They weren't as bad as their record indicated last season. But they were also the big losers of all the cap space flush teams over the summer. Their only impact addition is a raw Derrick Favors. Without a big trade they are not a playoff team. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 3.5 | Standings         East: 11.2 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For New York Knicks: 2010-11[/h3]
[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Troubling NY Post Anthony Randolph-Kenny Walker comparison aside, Amare Stoudemire, Timofey Mozgov and Raymond Felton will bring some life back to the Garden. Not sold on shooting and defense, and those are kinda important in the NBA.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Amare Stoudemire loves the attention as the new face of the Knicks, but he better deliver a playoff spot or that attention will get ugly fast. Amare and his nice cast of role players should reach the postseason. Their D will be typically atrocious, and that will be their undoing if they indeed miss the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Amare Stoudemire, Raymond Felton and Anthony Randolph aren't exactly LeBron and Bosh, but they'll be enough to help Mike D'Antoni finally field a proper playoff team. But Donnie Walsh will have to find a way to get a player like Carmelo Anthony to get the team back into the elite. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Knicks' consolation prize from free agency is far from a worst-case scenario. Amare Stoudemire might not be what New York was hoping for, but he'll give it a much-needed go-to scorer. Add Raymond Felton's ability to run the pick-and-roll, and this team can back into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]After two years of waiting for 2010 ... it's 2010! Party on Knicks fans, your team actually has a chance this season. The folks in MSG will be elated enough to forget that James Dolan a) still owns the team and b) tried to re-hire Isiah Thomas this summer.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Obviously it was a letdown not getting LeBron James, but they still got Amare Stoudemire. He is comfortable with the Mike D'Antoni system. They are going to play an uptempo style and he is going to put up huge numbers. Anthony Randolph is a guy I love. Raymond Felton could have a breakout year. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]They have set making the playoffs as their goal, which means basically a posting .500 record while hoping Carmelo Anthony plays out his contract and becoms an unrestricted free agent. Bench scoring is going to be an issue. The defense should be stronger, but can't say the same about rebounding. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Put me in the camp that dares to believe that the Knicks, with Amare Stoudemire, can sneak into the playoffs. I've said from the beginning that Stoudemire has the requisite bravado to stand up to the unique pressures of Gotham. And there's (probably) enough around him to snag one of the last two playoff slots.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]They went hard after LeBron, but ended up with Amare. At least the Knicks didn't go empty-handed like the Nets in the peak of free agency. But Madison Square Garden will be filled with mediocrity again -- unless a midseason deal can be swung to acquire Carmelo Anthony. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 9 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]That Jared Jerffries trade may haunt them all season as Donnie Walsh struggles to turn the Eddy Curry trade chip into something. But at least now they are actually looking at trades to get better. If nothing else, former Suns big man Amare Stoudemire makes them a playoff contender. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 2.3 | Standings         East: 7.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Orlando Magic: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]A new arena, an Olajuwonated Dwight Howard, an instant in-state rival ... and most importantly some familiarity for a roster that added five new players last season. It's their chance to grab a ring before the Heat start running things. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Dwight Howard will be better and make a serious case for MVP, but the Magic as a whole are declining. They'll still win lots of games, but with Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis just another year older, they're heading in the wrong direction. Bottom line: they should've paid Hedo![/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Magic have the best big man in basketball, two elite veteran scorers, a healthy Jameer Nelson and a deep, deep bench. They're also perfectly constructed to give the Heat some fits. Their biggest issue? Can they get past the Celtics to actually play the Heat in the Eastern Conference finals? [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Magic likely will roll through the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. Dwight Howard & Co. will kill opponents with precision. But can Orlando find ways to win if teams stay out on its shooters and force Howard to beat them? [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Magic are the East's wild card because of Dwight Howard, the only player for whom the Heat have no answer. Unfortunately, the Magic still have no answer for opponents that single-cover Howard successfully, an Achilles heel that's keeping them from a title. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Statistically, Dwight Howard is dominant enough to get a team a title, but I don't know if he is the guy to get you there. Most nights he'll lead the way, but in the postseason when they are playing a team like Boston or Miami, will that be enough to get Orlando over the hump? I'm not sure. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 1

East: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr]

[tr][td]

[/td][td][/td][/tr][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]They are developing quite the reputation as a nice team that you would never wager a dime on to win the championship. Vince Carter is very close to being the next T-Mac, and Rashard Lewis could be two years away from being considered the same thing unless and until he has a breakout series. [tr][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Really want to believe Dwight Howard made offensive strides in the offseason and that the Magic can make the new East even more fascinating by rebounding from the absolute punking they took in the East finals. Instinct, however, has me expecting nothing more than a better record than Boston's.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Magic aren't hard to figure out. If their shots fall from deep, the inside-outside game around Dwight Howard is unstoppable. But there's a tendency with Orlando to implode under pressure. The next time Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis answer the postseason call will be the first. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 3 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This team is so good and so deep, and it has the assets to make an impact trade. When the Magic play their best, they are also one of the best defensive teams. But to win it all they need Dwight Howard to play at an MVP level at both ends. We've not seen him become the player he can be -- yet. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 2

East: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 1.8 | Standings         East: 1.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Philadelphia 76ers: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Doug Collins will find a better way to utilize Andre Iguodala and the Sixers will play better defense -- although they don't have the shot-blocking presence of Samuel Dalembert anymore. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]This is a mismatched bunch. Elton Brand doesn't fit with a group of poor-shooting slashers, and it's possible they won't fit Doug Collins' typically slow tempo. If they're somehow able to reach their potential, they'll get one of the last two postseason seeds. But I'm betting against that.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Andrea Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday and rookie Evan Turner give the Sixers a great young core, but a super weak frontline, led by an aging Elton Brand, means that even Doug Collins could be in for a long, long season. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Sixers have to figure out how to develop Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday into cornerstones of this team. That probably means sacrificing wins this season and possibly frustrating their veterans. Don't envy Doug Collins' job this season. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Even if Evan Turner bombs, the 76ers will surprise. Sure, Doug Collins will nit-pick them to death, but in the short term he'll improve them substantially. He lacks an A-list star but has serious young talent with Iguodala, Speights, Williams, Young and Holiday. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 2

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Finally the carousel has stopped. Doug Collins is going to command respect. They will play harder and be more creative offensively, but they aren't very smart. They don't take care of the ball, and Collins will get frustrated with some of the young players. Does he have the stamina to see this project through? [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Nice to have Doug Collins back. Would be nice to see Evan Turner become something special, but in the preseason he hasn't shown a lot. You have to wonder when during the season they'll realize the key to long-term success is moving Elton Brand. I'll put that over/under at Jan. 18. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]When Evan Turner followed up a lackluster showing in summer league with an equally underwhelming preseason -- combined with Doug Collins' recent claim that he's never taken on a tougher coaching job -- you stopped hearing the previously popular suggestion that Philly is a playoff sleeper in the East. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Doug Collins was the sentimental choice to take over as coach. He's already at a crossroads. Do you focus on developing the young core of rookie No. 2 pick Evan Turner, Lou Williams and Marreese Speights? Or do you try to win now with veterans Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand? [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 14 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]The Sixers better hope Evan Turner is just a slow starter. They cannot afford to have made a mistake with that pick. All those trades/free-agent signings over last three years and roster still doesn't seem to fit all that well together. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 3

East: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 3.3 | Standings         East: 10.6 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Toronto Raptors: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Even if Chris Bosh's mind was elsewhere last season he still gave the Raptors 24 and 11 when he was on the court. Where are they gonna get that from? And those points and boards will be easier to find than a lineup with five good defenders on this squad. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Jay Triano is blessed. So is Bryan Colangelo, for that matter. In many cities, they'd be history. The Raptors won't go anywhere until they realize this is the NBA, not the Euro-league. They better get more guys who can defend at least a little bit. Bright note: DeMar Derozan. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Raptors imploded this summer. What they have left doesn't inspire confidence. If they win 40 with a healthy Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu, what can they win without them? The combo of Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Linas Kleiza and Leandro Barbosa sounds more like a Euroleague contender. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 4

East: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]They won't be able to stop anybody, and it's hard to figure out whether Andrea Bargnani or DeMar DeRozan will be the No. 1 scorer going forward. But this team will fight as much as it can, which will be a refreshing change from last season. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Raps were the league's worst defensive team last season and don't have a player who ranked in the top 75 in PER. Optimists note they're deep and have lots of shooters, and the D might improve if they actually try this year. Regardless, they're lottery fodder. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Chemistry will be better. They've had some problems in the locker room. Now you've sacrificed talent for that chemistry. Where is this team really going to find the offensive production it needs nightly? They have brought in a couple of role players -- Leandro Barbosa and Linas Kleiza -- for bigger roles. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Jay Triano was a broadcaster for Canadian television during the 2008 Olympics and was invaluable as an assistant to Mike Krzyzewski with Team USA last summer in Turkey. He'll have a tough time making it through December with Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu gone.[/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]What's happening to the Raps post-Chris Bosh, speaking purely as a Canada lover, is tough to watch or write about. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Quick, name Toronto's five starters. OK, try three. Two? Give up? Well, the Raptors insist they won't. But they will spend the season trying to recover from two major mistakes: Allowing Chris Bosh to walk in free agency for nothing, and that failed Hedo Turkoglu experiment. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]The talent level has decreased. It has not helped the outlook that Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon didn't have good preseasons, either. Leandro Barbosa looks like he's headed for a strong year if he stays healthy, a rare bright spot. [/td][td]

[h3]Atlantic: 5

East: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Atlantic: 4.9 | Standings         East: 14.6 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Washington Wizards: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]I'm bullish on the Bullets, er Wizards. Speed (John Wall) and size (JaVale McGee), and perhaps a taste of winning will be enough to keep the heads of guys like Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche in the game. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]If Gilbert Arenas didn't have three years, $60 million (after this season!) left on his deal, I'd say the Wiz should deactivate him and send him on another vacation. But John Wall's brilliance (not to mention their other young talent) notwithstanding, this club won't reach its full potential until Agent Zero's gone. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]With John Wall in the fold, a contrite albeit unpredictable Gilbert Arenas back, veteran Kirk Hinrich anchoring the bench and the emerging play of big men Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee, the Wiz will be better than people think. They may not be ready for the playoffs, but the Wiz finally have a future. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast 4

East: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Wizards' season is not about seeing how John Wall fits into the NBA. It's about seeing which of his teammates fit with him. Washington will be holding tryouts all season for the future of the franchise. It's up to the young guys to prove themselves as worthy teammates. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The excitement over the dawn of the John Wall era is tempered by the fact that neither the Gilbert Arenas nor Ernie Grunfeld eras have ended. This roster probably has the league's lowest basketball IQ, and, no, acquiring Yi Jianlian and Al Thornton didn't help.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]John Wall is the best thing to ever happen to Gilbert Arenas. Now Arenas can go be what he really is, which is an off-the-ball scorer. Now he doesn't have to worry about getting others involved because you have someone else to do that. You have a real point guard on the roster. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Ladies and gents, your sleeper team. And I'll say that even before finding out what they'll get for Gilbert Arenas (Elton Brand?). David Thorpe has been raving about Yi Jianlian after working him out earlier this summer, and he looked much more confident in Turkey than he did last season in NJ. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 3

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Too soon to throw the P-word (playoffs) around after everything that happened to the Wiz last season? Given the disconcerting preseason we've seen from Gilbert Arenas, probably. But the seventh and eighth slots in the East are wide open. Dare I say that's a race that a John Wall-led team can win.[/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]John Wall and the young Wizards will be fun to watch -- even if they won't win enough games this season to be a threat. Washington might need an executive order from President Obama to line up a taker for Gilbert Arenas, who could seriously stunt this team's growth. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 5

East: 12 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld did a great job giving this franchise hope with his moves over the last eight months. Yes, No.1 pick John Wall makes them intriguing but the steals of Kirk Hinrich and Yi Jianlian are what return them to respectability. Plus, Gilbert Arenas is still pretty good. [/td][td]

[h3]Southeast: 4

East: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southeast: 4.2 | Standings         East: 9.3 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]

[/h3]

 

[kingkb34]

Originally Posted by ClevelandsPrince23

Well since OC died there's like 2 Cavs fans...I really haven't seen any recently so am I the only one now?

Proud Cavs fan here but Yuku is so bad that I don't even bother to post anymore...

 

[kingkb34]

Originally Posted by ClevelandsPrince23

Well since OC died there's like 2 Cavs fans...I really haven't seen any recently so am I the only one now?

Proud Cavs fan here but Yuku is so bad that I don't even bother to post anymore...

 

[proshares]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler [+]

Spoiler

[h3]

[h3]Predicted Finish For Dallas Mavericks: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Maybe they've lasted just long enough for a payoff. If Denver dismantles and the Spurs' AARP cards have arrived and OKC's not quite ready ... that's a lot of ifs, isn't it? Probably another solid season and early playoff exit.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]The emergence of Roddy Beaubois (if it happens) could take the Mavs to another level. Dallas is first in a pack of five teams that are a notch below the Lakers and a notch above the other good teams in the conference. Could be a high-win regular-season team, but have no shot at winning a title.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Mavs have the veterans to make a deep run in the playoffs. The addition of Tyson Chandler should dramatically improve the team's frontcourt D. However, you wonder if the Mavs can maintain their mojo much longer. Once again it's now or never for Dallas and I continue to lean toward never.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]I don't believe the Mavericks are actually the second-best team in the Western Conference, but they are one of the best regular-season teams in the league. The addition of Dominique Jones and having Brendan Haywood for a full training camp give this team more energy than it had last season. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Mavs' advanced age makes it possible they'll crash and burn, but a far more likely outcome has them going gently into the night as a midlevel playoff seed that wins a round at most. Mark Cuban keeps looking for blockbusters, but other clubs have better cards. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]A quality team you know is going to be there with an MVP-caliber guy like Dirk Nowitzki. Jason Kidd has transformed his game -- he's a consistent 3-point shooter now. Look for more minutes for Rodrigue Beaubois. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]When I'm not tuning in to Heat or Lakers games, I'll be looking for these guys because of the pure pleasure of watching Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki do what they've been doing for so long, without much slippage. Some are dismissing them as too old, but didn't the C's teach everyone a lesson? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Mavericks are deeper, longer and otherwise in pretty much the same condition they were last season: Good enough to finish No. 2 overall in the conference ... and fully aware they need another player on Dirk's level to get back in the Finals mix. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Owner Mark Cuban believes this team is capable of winning a title. So he refused to let Dirk Nowitzki get away and also brought back Brendan Haywood. But it's now or never. The roster is impressive. Caron Butler and Jason Kidd have an entire season to work together this time. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Year after year Mark Cuban keeps importing talent, looking for a balance that will work. Here the Mavs are again with a huge payroll and a roster littered with former All-Stars. Tyson Chandler adds some length alongside Brendan Haywood. They have weapons to pounce if the champs slip.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southwest: 1.3 | Standings         West: 3.0 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Denver Nuggets: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Best-case scenario is last season's Utah: Against all speculation team holds on to star forward and reaches second round of playoffs. Worst case: Carmelo Anthony leads an exodus out of Denver. I predict Melo gets moved in February, seven-year playoff run ends.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 7 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Obviously, when whole the Nuggets have the ability to challenge the Lakers. But they won't be whole for much longer, as Carmelo Anthony should be heading to New York or New Jersey in December or February. Injuries to Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen will keep Denver down. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West:11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]There are just too many question marks. Even if the team keeps Carmelo all season (odds of that: slim), I'm a little suspicious that it'll be able to maintain what it's done the past few years. If Denver trades Melo and doesn't get an All-Star back, it could slide all the way to 13th in the West. .[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]This low ranking is based strictly on the assumption that Carmelo Anthony will no longer be in a Nuggets uniform by March. Whether Anthony is an elite player is debatable. But without him, Denver could fall into the lottery. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]This prediction assumes Carmelo Anthony will stick around; if not, the Nugs will land several notches south of here. Even with Melo, Denver has issues, with frontcourt injuries exposing an already shaky bench, but George Karl's return should be a big boost. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Melo is holding all the cards in this situation. I would be shocked if he was wearing a Nuggets jersey by the end of All-Star weekend. If Melo's gone earlier, they could fall off and even not make the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]I am calling "not fair" here. It is not fair to pick in October where this team will finish in April when it is so hard to tell whether they'll even enter the month of November with Carmelo Anthony on their roster. With him, they win 55. Without him, they are a .500 team at best. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Asked this in the first edition of the Power Rankings, and I'm asking again: How did the Nuggets NOT win the Team Turmoil race back in August when the whole ESPN.com NBA staff was polled? Don't even see Denver in the top eight when you add health concerns to the turmoil. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]I reserve the right to reposition the Nuggets further south if Carmelo heads East in a trade. Every year, it's the same issues with Denver. Plenty of talent. Too many tantrums. George Karl already deserves coach of the year for returning from his cancer battle to deal with the distractions. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Bad foreshadowing here. This was a team on the cusp two years ago that has been undone with instability and a superstar with wandering eyes. What should be a feel-good story in George Karl's return instead may turn into a death watch for the franchise if/when Carmelo Anthony is dealt. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 3.9 | Standings         West: 8.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Golden State Warriors: 2010-10[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Still haven't resolved the issue of their two best players -- Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis -- playing the same position. Still haven't shown they can play defense. At least this season they'll have a coach who's vested in the team. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]We all love Steph Curry, but this team still has plenty of growing to do. Ousting Nellie was a much-needed step and will relieve the tension that existed last season. But don't expect the lax attitude toward D to change overnight. The Ws will be fun to watch with Curry and Monte Ellis running wild. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]I'm as bullish as I've ever been on the Warriors, despite the low ranking. The subtraction of owner Chris Cohan and coach Don Nelson, along with the addition of David Lee, a healthy Andris Biedrins and new coach Keith Smart makes the future brighter in Golden State than this ranking suggests.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The ownership, uniforms and coach have all changed, but the same questionable roster mired with ineffective defenders remains. This team could finish a lot higher, but the Warriors have to prove it for me to believe like the Bay Area fans do. Get excited for a full season of this being Stephen Curry's team. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Keith Smart is ready for this challenge; the team has to be more competitive defensively. Monta Ellis, Steph Curry and David Lee -- your best players -- have to take that end seriously. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Warriors have a novel, new tactic -- they will use actual big men and occasionally pursue rebounds -- but otherwise they'll likely remain dreadful on D. The new pick-and-roll combo of Steph Curry and David Lee should be devastating; the bench, not so much. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]I am a big fan of David Lee, but I'll opine that he will surpass the Jamal Crawford/Shareef Abdur-Rahim totals for most career games played before his first postseason appearance. The next best thing you can say about them is they have probably the league's best golfer, Stephen Curry. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]We say it every season: No fan base deserves a better show more than Golden State's. This figures to be a transitional season, even after acquiring David Lee, but the new owners should get a lengthy grace period given how much patience the locals showed during the Cohan era. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Don Nelson coached a fun style that lit up the scoreboard. But Don is done, and now the Warriors are trying to change their identity by mixing in something that resembles defense. The biggest thing the Warriors accomplish this season might be trading Monta Ellis. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This seems to be a franchise at the start of a radical makeover. The good news is it has some quality parts. The bad news is more instability and changes are likely coming. Hopefully the Warriors stay healthy so they don't have to routinely start players on 10-day contracts this season.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 4.3 | Standings           West: 13.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Houston Rockets: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Had to go without their top three scorers from '09 last season, but found Aaron Brooks' value in the process. Plenty of options, but can Brooks, Kevin Martin, Luis Scola or a limited Yao Ming carry a team in playoffs like the big boys do? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Rockets could definitely take that eighth spot, and perhaps even seventh. Two questions: Can Yao Ming stay healthy and make a difference in his 24 minutes a game, and can Kevin Martin's big numbers finally translate to wins? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Once again the Rockets come down to Yao. With him, they appear to be a pretty formidable playoff team. Without him, they'll scrap again for a low playoff seed. GM Daryl Morey has done a good job of improving the team's perimeter, but if the big fella stumbles, it's hard to believe the team can go deep. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Even if he's playing just 24 minutes per game, Yao Ming makes the Rockets a title contender. They are one of the deepest teams in the league at every position, giving Rick Adelman a bevy of offensive options each night. Just keep Yao healthy, please. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]They won 42 without Yao a year ago, so we know what the floor is. He'll play only 24 minutes a game, but the Rockets are deep, they defend and they'll have a full year of Kevin Martin. Better yet, thanks to the Knicks, they're positioned for further upgrades. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]If you're playing Yao Ming just 24 minutes, are you better off playing him off the bench to finish the first half and game? If Yao can give them most of the season, they'll be right there in the playoff mix. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Do I dare call them the deepest team in the West? I'll take Brad Miller as a 24-minute backup behind Yao Ming, and I'll still stick with Luis Scola as the league's most underrated big man. You've got Courtney Lee backing up Kevin Martin, and Kyle Lowry backing up Aaron Brooks.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Doesn't guarantee a thing in the actual standings, but the Rockets seem to have quite a few believers out there, judging by the fairly high expectations for Yao Ming and Co. out there despite the fact that have to bring the big man back so slowly.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Yao Ming is back from foot surgery, but is on a pitch count. The plan is to limit his playing time to 24 minutes. The question is whether that will help or hurt Houston's development. This team always overachieves, but it won't be enough to get into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Yao is back but right now he's really just a part-time player. What the Rockets need is Courtney Lee and Kevin Martin to play to their potential. That and maybe Aaron Brooks, upset he's not getting a new contract, will play angry good and they'll be back in the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING          Southwest: 3.0 | Standings       West: 7.3 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Los Angeles Clippers: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]We should know better than to envision best-case scenarios for the Clippers, but wouldn't a healthy Blake Griffin, a steady Eric Gordon and a fit Baron Davis equal playoff material? [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]If Baron Davis is healthy, engaged and all-in, the Clippers could be a big surprise. But that's a huge IF. Humongous. Blake Griffin looks like another great (yes, great!) big man -- and Eric Gordon is a hot young 2-guard. But Baron could hold this club back with his injuries, attitude and body language. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Clippers continue to be a Bill Simmons punchline, but after watching Blake Griffin tear it up in the preseason, I'm hedging on putting the Clippers too low. If he stays healthy, Baron Davis may actually engage and if that happens, the Clips could make a surprising run at the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Come for the Blake Griffin highlights; stay to find out whether the good version of Baron Davis shows up. As good as Griffin and Eric Gordon look, this team's fate rests in Davis' hands. Can you trust them? [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]I'm aboard the Blake Griffin bandwagon, but nobody seems to realize the rest of this team is terrible, with a couple second-tier stars, no depth and a retread coach. And Angelenos, help me out -- is that Baron Davis playing point guard or LenDale White?.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Blake Griffin is a rookie, freakishly athletic and a big-time rebounder. But we don't know about the leadership around him. The malaise of playing in the Lakers' shadow hangs over the team -- they need to put the Clipper excuse out of their heads.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Good enough 1 through 5 to be a .500 team, but the dropoff is going to be precipitous when Vinny Del Negro has to go to the bench. Over/under on the number of times T.J. Simers references VDN's hair in his L.A. Times columns this season: 16.5. ROY race: Blake Griffin, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]All I really want to see from the Clips, selfish as it sounds, is a full season from Blake Griffin ... and the inevitable tug o' war with John Wall for Rookie of the Year honors that would follow. Otherwise trying not to get too carried away by the potential this group has on paper. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Blake Griffin was having a dominant preseason after sitting out all of last season after knee surgery. That alone is enough to make the Clippers worth staying up late occasionally to watch. But rookie of the year honors might be all the Clippers win this season. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Maybe one of the most intriguing teams in the league. Blake Griffin has looked fantastic in the preseason, Eric Gordon had a strong summer and Chris Kaman looks healthy. Now if it all stays this way they could be fun to watch. But they are the Clippers so it probably won't. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 3.1 | Standings           West: 11.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Los Angeles Lakers: 2010-11[/h3]
[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]The Lakers no longer worry about Ron Artest's head. No, it's Kobe Bryant's knee that's of greater concern, and as of now the greatest impediment to another championship.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Only severe injuries can keep the Lakers from winning the West. In a conference full of very good teams, they're in a class by themselves. Two big questions, though: will Andrew Bynum be healthy for the duration, and will Kobe, at 32, be the Kobe he was at 30 and 31? [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Lakers are still the team to beat, but getting a three-peat will be a challenge. Kobe Bryant is slowly starting to show his age, Lamar Odom played a lot of basketball this summer and could burn out, Andrew Bynum is already ailing and the competition in the league and in the West got stronger. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The two-time defending champions had a lot of questions surrounding their bench last season. Now those questions have been answered by bolstering the second unit with Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and Theo Ratliff. If they stay healthy, the West is theirs. If Kobe Bryant is banged up, the No. 1 seed is in danger. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Lakers overcame knee injuries to Kobe and Bynum and some shaky point guard play to win it all. Those issues remain, but Miami's epic haul is the biggest obstacle to a three-peat. L.A. should win the West regardless, but one wonders if it will be as the No. 1 seed. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Is Kobe going to be able to hold up? Will he have to cut back on his minutes? It's a highly motivated team -- Kobe and Phil Jackson, especially -- because of what happened in Miami. I think they can beat the Heat.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Look, I've got them as my three-peaters, so the question then becomes: Who will win more regular-season games, these guys or the Heat? With East's weaker teams, gotta go with the SuperFriends on that one. As for the NBA Finals, I like these guys to get past the Celtics in yet another Game 7. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]No matter how slowly you think the defending champs will start with Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum still healing, let's be real: The Lakers remain massive favorites to post the best record in the conference and get back to the NBA Finals for a fourth straight season. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Even with Miami's moves, the two-time defending champs offered no reason to believe the Lakers won't three-peat for the second time behind Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. The bench was bolstered by Matt Barnes, Steve Blake and Theo Ratliff. Last season's best got even better. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Kobe Bryant's knee is far from right, Andrew Bynum's return date keeps getting pushed back and Ron Artest continues to run his mouth. Yet you don't see much concern on Phil Jackson's face, do you? That is because this team is deeper than last season's champs, with plenty of time to get healthy.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 1.0 | Standings           West: 1.0 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Memphis Grizzlies: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Rudy Gay will be better, O.J. Mayo will be better, but does anyone on this team make anyone else better? That's the Grizzlies' biggest problem, one they never seem to address.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Only weakness is at the point, where Mike Conley has been a disappointment. The other four starters -- Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo -- are beyond legit, plus the bench was strengthened in the offseason with the addition of Tony Allen. The Grizz could be a surprise playoff team.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Grizzlies had a better than expected season last year thanks to a terrific performance by Zach Randolph and improvements by Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo. But they did little to improve their roster this summer while other teams in the West made up significant ground.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Grizzlies are primed to make another push toward the playoffs. The frontcourt is tough to compete against, but a lack of competent guard play makes you wonder whether they can kick anybody off the postseason dance floor. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]If the Grizzlies can get close to 400 games from their solid starting five, and owner and de facto GM Michael Heisley avoids doing anything horrifically stupid, they could squeak into the playoffs. Unfortunately, neither scenario appears likely. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Zach Randolph, a positive locker room influence last year? I think that opened some eyes. He can score against any post player in the league. Those young players looked up to him. With Marc Gasol, they can match up with just about anybody up front.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]This is my sleeper team from the West, and I can't overemphasize what a difference maker Tony Allen will be for this team on defense. If there is a God, he will give us Allen vs. Kobe Bryant and Marc Gasol vs. Pau Gasol in the first round. Meantime, who will be an All-Star: Rudy Gay or Zach Randolph? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]This was one of the more interesting teams to watch last season, speaking purely as an neutral viewer, but it took a virtual perfect storm just for the Grizz to flirt with .500. Who dares to presume that things will go even that smoothly again when Rudy Gay has been paid ... but Z-Bo hasn't?[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]After making Rudy Gay the clear-cut leader of the franchise, the Grizzlies are hoping to take the next step and contend for one of the final playoff spots in the West. It's not out of the question if Zach Randolph remains a 20-10 guy and O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol steadily progress. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Wow, that was a lot of money to give to Rudy Gay. Now, Zach Randolph has his hand out. Considering he was the key to the team's turnaround last year, will we see the good Zach or the bad Zach this season? Of note, Marc Gasol is developing nicely and Tony Allen was an underrated pickup. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING          Southwest: 4.6 | Standings       West: 10.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Minnesota Timberwolves: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]I'll try to focus on the positive: Wesley Johnson has an NBA-ready game and Nikola Pekovic has NBA-ready size. Otherwise? See you in Secaucus. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]While no one wants to go from Miami to Minnesota, the move could be the best thing for Michael Beasley, who I think will make a strong run at the Most Improved Player award. And if the coaching staff finally gives Kevin Love the starter's minutes he deserves, he'll be a double-double machine. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]GM David Kahn overhauled the roster in two years, but I'm skeptical. Kevin Love is now the core of the team, which is a good thing. New additions like Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster and Nikola Pekovic should help. I think the Wolves will compete with the Nets and Raptors for the worst record.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Wolves are more athletic and seemingly faster than they were last season. But where is the interior defense? Where is the consistency from Michael Beasley? Where is the guarantee of consistent Kevin Love minutes? And where is Ricky Rubio? All of these questions need to be answered before the wins come.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The good news: Kevin Love is a stud, the Wolves have apparently ditched the triangle offense silliness, and the squad put together a very strong preseason. The bad news: GM David Kahn's head-scratching moves have left Wolves fans nostalgic for Kevin McHale. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]It's not going to be pretty. Michael Beasley is going to get a chance to show what he's got. I like Wesley Johnson, but he's coming into a losing environment.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]If you are David Kahn and you have a logjam at the 4 with Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Nikola Pekovic, who do you move? (Insert your own punchline about how many low first-round picks and/or point guards they would want back in return). Fantasy advice: Martell Webster can be had cheap.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Wolves have become the team that everyone loves to pile on. And something tells me that an unexpectedly successful preseason for Sota's, uh, eclectic mix of recent high draft picks ain't going to change that any time soon. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Ricky Rubio is still overseas, Al Jefferson was dealt to Utah and Michael Beasley is now the most dynamic player on the roster. That equates to another season of growing pains for coach Kurt Rambis. But hey, Beasley will get the numbers and touches he craved in Miami. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]If you don't follow the league closely and you start a sentence with "I wonder what ever happened to ... " assume that player has been on the Wolves roster over the last two years. If this team has a direction, we can't find it. Another year of massive roster turnover and uncertainty how it all fits. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 5 | Standings         West: 14.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For New Orleans Hornets: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]As long as the payroll costs take priority, Chris Paul will be in purgatory. But at least he'll be in New Orleans for a full season. Doubt we'll be able to say that next season.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West:11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Obviously, I'm not putting much stock in the preseason. I am a believer in Chris Paul, though, and even though he doesn't want to be with the mediocre Hornets, his talent can lift them to playoff berth. Monty Williams is a good young coach and Trevor Ariza should thrive next to Paul. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]When healthy, Chris Paul may be the best PG, but can his supporting cast help the Hornets get over the hump? Trevor Ariza, along with veterans like Emeka Okafor and David West, can help the team make some noise. Given the troubles in Denver and Phoenix, the playoff window is open. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Chris Paul is still the top point guard in the NBA. Unfortunately, his team doesn't seem capable of matching half his talents. Paul is good enough to keep the Hornets competitive and in the playoff hunt. But they are not good enough to validate his efforts and get back into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Since he was rarely healthy last season, it's easy to forget how dominant Chris Paul can be at full strength. His star-studded play should keep the Hornets above .500 and in the playoff chase despite a paper-thin frontcourt and the usual miserable cap management. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]The Chris Paul situation is distracting and demoralizing. This is a team that could be on the brink of collapse, depending on what happens with CP3. They're going to take a significant step back.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]This is another team I can see going 4-0 against the Wolves, then losing three quarters of their remaining games. Who ya got for most 3-pointers made: Marco Bellinelli or Peja Stojakovic? I'll take the Italian kid. I'll vote them most likely to purge payroll with the failed sale of the team. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Hard to imagine the Hornets having as many health problems as they did last season. But the happiness questions (as in: Can the new regime keep Chris Paul satisifed?) aren't going away just because there's a more immediate focus on Carmelo Anthony.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Depending on who you talk to, Chris Paul is either biding his time until he can get out of the Big Easy, or he's genuinely interested in giving new GM Dell Demps and coach Monty Williams a shot to salvage things. The Hornets are on hard times. There's no quick fix. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This is a team at the tipping point, and it could go either way. With Chris Paul and David West and a potential trade chip in Peja Stojakovic, there's hope. But with ownership uncertainty, along with a coach and GM who are both rookies, the danger of Paul re-visiting his demands is quite unsettling. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southwest: 4.1 | Standings         West: 9.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Oklahoma City Thunder: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Even if they can't avoid injuries as successfully as last season the Thunder will still find the five more victories they need to move near the top of the West. By April we'll be talking about Russell Westbrook in addition to Kevin Durant.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]This club has defied logic for 1½ seasons, so why can't they win the power-packed Northwest? Kevin Durant's the MVP pick: can he live up to the hype? His play in Turkey says yes. Can Russell Westbrook continue to improve, and can Serge Ibaka reach the promise he displayed in last season's playoffs? [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Kevin Durant is the front-runner for the MVP award this year. Russell Westbrook looked like a potential star for Team USA, and the Thunder have a ton of effective role players and an excellent coach. May be premature here, but they have the ability to knock the Lakers off. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Playing as the surprise darling of the NBA and playing with a national audience watching as you try to meet elite expectations are two very different things. The Thunder don't have the inside presence they lacked last season, but Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant could be the most exciting combo outside South Beach. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]A popular pick for No. 2, it says here the Thunder will have to endure growing pains first. The league's healthiest team in 2009-10 will inevitably face more adversity on that front, and while they have the assets for a home run trade they may sit tight for another year. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Kevin Durant is going to be MVP. Last year he became a better rebounder and defender, and the WC took his confidence to a whole new level. I look for him to take this team where nobody thought it could go this quickly.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Fell in love even more with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook while covering them at the Worlds, fell out of love with Jeff Green while watching him play himself off the team before the Americans left for Europe.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]We expect a lot out of these kids now ... and you can't expect the Thunder to be as healthy as they were last season. Two interesting variables to threaten the widespread anointment of OKC as the Lakers' biggest threat out West, even amid Durant's undeniable leap to full-fledged superstar.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Returning league scoring champion Kevin Durant and crew won't sneak up on anyone this season after giving the Lakers a first-round scare last season. Russell Westbrook will produce like a top-5 point guard this season. If there's an Achilles' heel, it's a lack of size/rebounding. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]People assume this team will make a major jump this season but don't forget it was pretty good last year, winning 50. In addition to Kevin Durant, a reason to really like this team is team-wide length. They will make everyone they play uncomfortable. But for the first time they must deal with expectations. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING          Northwest: 1.1 | Standings       West: 2.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Phoenix Suns: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]I already miss those Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire pick-and-rolls. Can't see how Hedo Turkoglu will fit in. The Suns will miss Leandro Barbosa, too. Last season they were 32-12 with him, 22-16 without. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Folks hearken back to a few years ago when the Suns rolled without an injured Amare Stoudemire as evidence that they won't miss him much. But Steve Nash had a second star that season in Shawn Marion. This year, he doesn't. What he does have is a very nice collection of versatile role players.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Is this the year the Suns' flame is extinguished? They still have Steve Nash and they're determined to play up-tempo again, but the loss of Amare Stoudemire, the middling talent everywhere else, along with Nash's age, keep them from being a major threat anymore.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Don't give up on the Suns. Their style of play is too hard to keep up with throughout the regular season. Nobody wants to play this team on the end of a back-to-back, a fourth game in five nights or a day that ends in "y." [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Suns fans will note they usually do their best when we expect the least, including the last time they lost Amare Stoudemire. Not this time. In 2005-06 they only won eight games fewer sans Amare; that total will double for Small Forwards Anonymous in 2010-11.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Steve Nash is going to feel more pressure to do more -- he's going to have to score more. They've been thin up front for years, but now they don't have that stud in the middle after losing Amare Stoudemire. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Got 'em second in their division, even though I believe they'll take the biggest tumble in the won-loss column after putting up 54 W's a season ago. They will see a lot more of defenders staying home on shooters now that opponents will not need to sag into the post to cover Amare Stoudemire. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Suns were last season's Cinderellas, but they're even smaller than they were. (Case in point: Grant Hill or Hedo Turkoglu might be starting at power forward.) The denizens of Planet Orange are thus forced to scale back their expectations. Significantly. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The end of the Amare era doesn't mean the end of the Suns' chances to challenge out West. As long as Steve Nash is running the show and Grant Hill and Jason Richardson are productive, Phoenix has a fighting chance. The lack of size and post presence must be addressed. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Of the teams deserted by a star in free agency, none were more proactive than the Suns in trying to upgrade. Hedo Turkoglu may have issues fitting in but his skill set should work with Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick. If Steve Nash still has gas in the tank the Suns should be a playoff team. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 2.2 | Standings           West: 8.4 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Portland Trail Blazers: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]If everyone's healthy it could create more problems than it solves. How do Brandon Roy and Andre Miller split the ballhandling duties? How many touches for Greg Oden? Will Rudy Fernandez say he wants out in a third language?[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]If the injury bug leaves them alone this season, particularly regarding Greg Oden, the Blazers could win the division and grab the second seed. Besides that, a big question is, can Andre Miller and Brandon Roy coexist and thrive together? They're going to have to for the Blazers to be a threat. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Blazers are the West's sleeping giant. Last year the team had a terrific season, despite a flurry of injuries. We're still waiting to see if Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla can come back healthy, but even if they can't, the Blazers are loaded with talent. They could be the best team in the West. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Brandon Roy wants the ball a lot more. This isn't the first time he's asked for this, but it might now be an option the Blazers can't ignore. Ride Roy's ability and pray for health in the frontcourt. Rinse, lather, repeat. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Given the offseason tumult, the masses seem to have forgotten that the Blazers are absolutely loaded. That's true even if Greg Oden is only an occasional participant. The talent isn't as cohesive as L.A.'s, nor as top-heavy, but a trade may yet change that. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Managing injuries is what it comes down to for this team. Who knows what you're going to get from Greg Oden? Where's Brandon Roy going to be with his knee? Health is always going to be a question for the Blazers until they can show they're over it.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Who will give them more bang for the buck: Wes Matthews or Greg Oden? Me, I'm going with Matthews. And on a side note, I'm going with Rudy Fernandez as a co-favorite with TJ Ford of Indiana as the most likely to be traded first. So strong 1 through 5, give them the edge over Denver in the Northwest. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Blazers probably didn't get enough credit for what they did last season in the face of so many injuries. But it's likewise hard to shake the suspicion that they can get enough games from Brandon Roy and Greg Oden to make a sustained push.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Injuries and poor chemistry derailed Portland yet again last season. The Rudy Fernandez saga proves there's always someone disgruntled. But Nate McMillan has established a pecking order that starts with Brandon Roy on offense and Marcus Camby on defense. Greg Oden gets a third chance to make a first impression. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]They simply haven't had a chance because of their injuries and general bad luck. No matter what, they still have one of the best pick-and-roll combos in Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. This promises to be a skin-tight divisional race again and karma says the Blazers are owed some fortune. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 2.3 | Standings         West: 4.8 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Sacramento Kings: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]While their youth will overshadow their talent at times, the Kings have a good shot at their first winning season since '05-06. DeMarcus Cousins' bid for rookie of the year will negate a possible sophomore slump by Tyreke Evans. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]The early returns show that the Kings hit the jackpot with DeMarcus Cousins, meaning they have the building blocks -- stars in the backcourt (Tyreke Evans) and frontcourt (Cousins) -- for a top-flight squad in the future. The key phrase is "in the future.'' For now, this young group will continue to struggle. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The combo of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins gives them two very formidable building blocks. I'm also a fan of Carl Landry. But after those three, there aren't a lot of other players on the Kings that wow you. Building blocks are there, but it's going to be a few years before they're a playoff team.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Kings have two of most exciting young players in the league. However, they still struggle shooting from the outside and they will struggle to close out games with such terrible free throw shooting. Those have to be corrected to make the Thunder Leap. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]I worry I've undersold the Kings, because the Tyreke Evans-DeMarcus Cousins combo is potentially devastating. However, whether that potential is realized this year -- or ever -- remains an open question, while the help both on the floor and upstairs appears wanting. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Refreshing to see Tyreke Evans come in and play the complete game. Now, how does he take a team that's down to a whole new level? DeMarcus Cousins can be a monster, and can back up the menace he brings to the paint.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]They get our vote as the team most likely to apply for relocation. Also, as the worst team that will still manage to go 4-0 against Minnesota. The bright side: Cousins will be a beast, and he and Tyreke Evans are a couple of very solid building blocks at the two most important positions. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Kings fans have some hope again with a young duo as talented as the combo of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. But there will be headaches, too, until this very young franchise duo can answer some questions about how their respective games will actually click.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Even with the offseason acquisition of "Sluggish" Sammy Dalembert, there's plenty to like about the Kings. Tyreke Evans can drive this team to better days if he stays out of his own fast lane off the court. DeMarcus Cousins may be best big man drafted since Dwight Howard. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Could be a fascinating season to follow the Kings because of the unknown impact by DeMarcus Cousins. He promises to be a polarizing player who will have plenty of ups and downs. Tyreke Evans is a wonder but he needs to show improvement in his weaknesses for the Kings to stay on track. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 4.4 | Standings           West: 13.3 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For San Antonio Spurs: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Gregg Popovich is the best at managing his stars' minutes, only the payoff has decreased lately. Tiago Splitter's arrival makes the Spurs less dependent on Tim Duncan, but is that a good thing?[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]This is the last hurrah for this historic group -- and I don't expect it to be much of a hurrah. No way the Spurs miss the playoffs, but if some of the younger squads emerge, I wouldn't be surprised by an eighth seed. One thing that could derail a mundane season is Tony Parker playing for a contract. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Spurs continue to find a way to stay relevant, even as their core ages. The emergence of George Hill and DeJuan Blair was a revelation last season and I'm expecting a significant contribution from rookie Tiago Splitter this year. Not sure the Spurs can challenge the Lakers, but they'll be tough. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The mystique of the Spurs seems to have completely worn off, but their talent level is still very high. They have some more legitimate size with Tiago Splitter finally joining the NBA. As always, the health of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili controls the Spurs' hopes of contending. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Yes, the window is still open. Point differential says they were better than their record a year ago, and the addition of Tiago Splitter and presumed return to health of Tony Parker mean the Spurs should move back to their familiar perch in the West's top 3. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Their days of winning 65 and rolling to the finals are over. Big question is how they can get George Hill and DeJuan Blair more involved. Tiago Splitter is physical and will take a lot of pressure off Tim Duncan.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]With Manu Ginobili being moved into the starting five, this is really the first time you can make the argument that he is the most important player on the team -- ahead of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. I've got 'em in 53-win territory, which will be one or two short of what they'll need to top Houston. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The biggest threat to the Lakers out West might still be San Antonio's familiar faces, provided that Tiago Splitter is indeed an immediate impact player and Tony Parker (contract year) and Richard Jefferson (lots of offseason work) indeed have big bounce-back seasons in store.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]As long as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are on the court and Gregg Popovich is on the bench, the Spurs are title contenders. Richard Jefferson was a disappointment last season. But a fresh start and improvement from George Hill and DeJuan Blair are in order. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Seems like they've been waiting for big man Tiago Splitter for a decade and he comes at the right time. These dogs can still hunt but they are on the decline and have been searching for an infusion. Manu Ginobili was masterful in a contract year; they need the same magic from Tony Parker to have a chance. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southwest: 2.0 | Standings         West: 5.0 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Utah Jazz: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Has Deron Williams been that good or has Al Jefferson been that unlucky? Deron has won four playoff series in four years. Big Al's never won a playoff series. Williams' way will win out. Oh, and can we get a coach of the year award for Jerry Sloan? [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]They lost one of the top bigs but shouldn't miss a beat. Al Jefferson cancels out the loss of Carlos Boozer. Mehmet Okur's health is a huge key, and Paul Millsap should step up to the challenge of replacing Booz. They'll miss Kyle Korver's shooting. Will a contract year spark Andrei Kirilenko? [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Jazz lost Carlos Boozer, but I'm not sure they took a step backward thanks to the addition of Al Jefferson. Jefferson is younger, makes less money and he's hungry to play for a winner. If Mehmet Okur can get back to full strength by the end of December, the Jazz will be dangerous. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]There is no guarantee Al Jefferson will be a good fit in the offensive system, but I'm willing to give Jerry Sloan the benefit of the doubt when it comes to maximizing Jefferson's effectiveness in Utah. The Jazz switched out a lot of key role players, but Deron Williams and his coach remain. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]As long as they don't trade Andrei Kirilenko for Boris Diaw, which my analysis says would cost them several games, the Jazz should be fine. The free-agency-battered roster isn't as deep or potent as last season's, but nabbing Al Jefferson should keep Utah in the top 8. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Paul Millsap steps up as a 20-10-caliber player, and may be more productive than Carlos Boozer. Deron Williams is the best PG in the NBA -- a better defender than Steve Nash, and better offensively than Chris Paul.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Al Jefferson will make Utahans forget about Carlos Boozer in a matter of weeks. May go down as the biggest fleece trade in the NBA in the past 10 years (and no, I am not forgetting about Steve Francis/Trevor Ariza). Deron Williams is the best point guard in the NBA, IMHO. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Would you swap Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver for Al Jefferson and Raja Bell? If you knew you also still had Paul Millsap, of course you would. Throw in Mehmet Okur's eventual return from injury, Andrei Kirilenko trade chatter and a sparkling preseason and this is one of the league's more intriguing teams. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Jazz might actually come out ahead by gaining Al Jefferson and Earl Watson after losing Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver. Deron Williams has plenty of parts to work with to keep the Jazz in the playoff mix in what will be another tight race in the West. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Losing Carlos Boozer hurt but Al Jefferson is no slouch. This team dominates at home and has a firmly entrenched system. Big X factor is how Mehmet Okur can come back from bad Achilles injury and whether ownership allows for Andrei Kirilenko's contract to be used for an upgrade. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 2.7 | Standings         West: 5.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]

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[h3]Predicted Finish For Dallas Mavericks: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Maybe they've lasted just long enough for a payoff. If Denver dismantles and the Spurs' AARP cards have arrived and OKC's not quite ready ... that's a lot of ifs, isn't it? Probably another solid season and early playoff exit.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]The emergence of Roddy Beaubois (if it happens) could take the Mavs to another level. Dallas is first in a pack of five teams that are a notch below the Lakers and a notch above the other good teams in the conference. Could be a high-win regular-season team, but have no shot at winning a title.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Mavs have the veterans to make a deep run in the playoffs. The addition of Tyson Chandler should dramatically improve the team's frontcourt D. However, you wonder if the Mavs can maintain their mojo much longer. Once again it's now or never for Dallas and I continue to lean toward never.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]I don't believe the Mavericks are actually the second-best team in the Western Conference, but they are one of the best regular-season teams in the league. The addition of Dominique Jones and having Brendan Haywood for a full training camp give this team more energy than it had last season. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Mavs' advanced age makes it possible they'll crash and burn, but a far more likely outcome has them going gently into the night as a midlevel playoff seed that wins a round at most. Mark Cuban keeps looking for blockbusters, but other clubs have better cards. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]A quality team you know is going to be there with an MVP-caliber guy like Dirk Nowitzki. Jason Kidd has transformed his game -- he's a consistent 3-point shooter now. Look for more minutes for Rodrigue Beaubois. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]When I'm not tuning in to Heat or Lakers games, I'll be looking for these guys because of the pure pleasure of watching Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki do what they've been doing for so long, without much slippage. Some are dismissing them as too old, but didn't the C's teach everyone a lesson? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Mavericks are deeper, longer and otherwise in pretty much the same condition they were last season: Good enough to finish No. 2 overall in the conference ... and fully aware they need another player on Dirk's level to get back in the Finals mix. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Owner Mark Cuban believes this team is capable of winning a title. So he refused to let Dirk Nowitzki get away and also brought back Brendan Haywood. But it's now or never. The roster is impressive. Caron Butler and Jason Kidd have an entire season to work together this time. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Year after year Mark Cuban keeps importing talent, looking for a balance that will work. Here the Mavs are again with a huge payroll and a roster littered with former All-Stars. Tyson Chandler adds some length alongside Brendan Haywood. They have weapons to pounce if the champs slip.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southwest: 1.3 | Standings         West: 3.0 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Denver Nuggets: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Best-case scenario is last season's Utah: Against all speculation team holds on to star forward and reaches second round of playoffs. Worst case: Carmelo Anthony leads an exodus out of Denver. I predict Melo gets moved in February, seven-year playoff run ends.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 7 [/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Obviously, when whole the Nuggets have the ability to challenge the Lakers. But they won't be whole for much longer, as Carmelo Anthony should be heading to New York or New Jersey in December or February. Injuries to Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen will keep Denver down. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West:11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]There are just too many question marks. Even if the team keeps Carmelo all season (odds of that: slim), I'm a little suspicious that it'll be able to maintain what it's done the past few years. If Denver trades Melo and doesn't get an All-Star back, it could slide all the way to 13th in the West. .[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]This low ranking is based strictly on the assumption that Carmelo Anthony will no longer be in a Nuggets uniform by March. Whether Anthony is an elite player is debatable. But without him, Denver could fall into the lottery. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]This prediction assumes Carmelo Anthony will stick around; if not, the Nugs will land several notches south of here. Even with Melo, Denver has issues, with frontcourt injuries exposing an already shaky bench, but George Karl's return should be a big boost. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Melo is holding all the cards in this situation. I would be shocked if he was wearing a Nuggets jersey by the end of All-Star weekend. If Melo's gone earlier, they could fall off and even not make the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]I am calling "not fair" here. It is not fair to pick in October where this team will finish in April when it is so hard to tell whether they'll even enter the month of November with Carmelo Anthony on their roster. With him, they win 55. Without him, they are a .500 team at best. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Asked this in the first edition of the Power Rankings, and I'm asking again: How did the Nuggets NOT win the Team Turmoil race back in August when the whole ESPN.com NBA staff was polled? Don't even see Denver in the top eight when you add health concerns to the turmoil. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]I reserve the right to reposition the Nuggets further south if Carmelo heads East in a trade. Every year, it's the same issues with Denver. Plenty of talent. Too many tantrums. George Karl already deserves coach of the year for returning from his cancer battle to deal with the distractions. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Bad foreshadowing here. This was a team on the cusp two years ago that has been undone with instability and a superstar with wandering eyes. What should be a feel-good story in George Karl's return instead may turn into a death watch for the franchise if/when Carmelo Anthony is dealt. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 3.9 | Standings         West: 8.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Golden State Warriors: 2010-10[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Still haven't resolved the issue of their two best players -- Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis -- playing the same position. Still haven't shown they can play defense. At least this season they'll have a coach who's vested in the team. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]We all love Steph Curry, but this team still has plenty of growing to do. Ousting Nellie was a much-needed step and will relieve the tension that existed last season. But don't expect the lax attitude toward D to change overnight. The Ws will be fun to watch with Curry and Monte Ellis running wild. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]I'm as bullish as I've ever been on the Warriors, despite the low ranking. The subtraction of owner Chris Cohan and coach Don Nelson, along with the addition of David Lee, a healthy Andris Biedrins and new coach Keith Smart makes the future brighter in Golden State than this ranking suggests.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The ownership, uniforms and coach have all changed, but the same questionable roster mired with ineffective defenders remains. This team could finish a lot higher, but the Warriors have to prove it for me to believe like the Bay Area fans do. Get excited for a full season of this being Stephen Curry's team. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Keith Smart is ready for this challenge; the team has to be more competitive defensively. Monta Ellis, Steph Curry and David Lee -- your best players -- have to take that end seriously. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Warriors have a novel, new tactic -- they will use actual big men and occasionally pursue rebounds -- but otherwise they'll likely remain dreadful on D. The new pick-and-roll combo of Steph Curry and David Lee should be devastating; the bench, not so much. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]I am a big fan of David Lee, but I'll opine that he will surpass the Jamal Crawford/Shareef Abdur-Rahim totals for most career games played before his first postseason appearance. The next best thing you can say about them is they have probably the league's best golfer, Stephen Curry. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]We say it every season: No fan base deserves a better show more than Golden State's. This figures to be a transitional season, even after acquiring David Lee, but the new owners should get a lengthy grace period given how much patience the locals showed during the Cohan era. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Don Nelson coached a fun style that lit up the scoreboard. But Don is done, and now the Warriors are trying to change their identity by mixing in something that resembles defense. The biggest thing the Warriors accomplish this season might be trading Monta Ellis. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This seems to be a franchise at the start of a radical makeover. The good news is it has some quality parts. The bad news is more instability and changes are likely coming. Hopefully the Warriors stay healthy so they don't have to routinely start players on 10-day contracts this season.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 4.3 | Standings           West: 13.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Houston Rockets: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Had to go without their top three scorers from '09 last season, but found Aaron Brooks' value in the process. Plenty of options, but can Brooks, Kevin Martin, Luis Scola or a limited Yao Ming carry a team in playoffs like the big boys do? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Rockets could definitely take that eighth spot, and perhaps even seventh. Two questions: Can Yao Ming stay healthy and make a difference in his 24 minutes a game, and can Kevin Martin's big numbers finally translate to wins? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Once again the Rockets come down to Yao. With him, they appear to be a pretty formidable playoff team. Without him, they'll scrap again for a low playoff seed. GM Daryl Morey has done a good job of improving the team's perimeter, but if the big fella stumbles, it's hard to believe the team can go deep. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Even if he's playing just 24 minutes per game, Yao Ming makes the Rockets a title contender. They are one of the deepest teams in the league at every position, giving Rick Adelman a bevy of offensive options each night. Just keep Yao healthy, please. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]They won 42 without Yao a year ago, so we know what the floor is. He'll play only 24 minutes a game, but the Rockets are deep, they defend and they'll have a full year of Kevin Martin. Better yet, thanks to the Knicks, they're positioned for further upgrades. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]If you're playing Yao Ming just 24 minutes, are you better off playing him off the bench to finish the first half and game? If Yao can give them most of the season, they'll be right there in the playoff mix. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Do I dare call them the deepest team in the West? I'll take Brad Miller as a 24-minute backup behind Yao Ming, and I'll still stick with Luis Scola as the league's most underrated big man. You've got Courtney Lee backing up Kevin Martin, and Kyle Lowry backing up Aaron Brooks.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Doesn't guarantee a thing in the actual standings, but the Rockets seem to have quite a few believers out there, judging by the fairly high expectations for Yao Ming and Co. out there despite the fact that have to bring the big man back so slowly.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Yao Ming is back from foot surgery, but is on a pitch count. The plan is to limit his playing time to 24 minutes. The question is whether that will help or hurt Houston's development. This team always overachieves, but it won't be enough to get into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Yao is back but right now he's really just a part-time player. What the Rockets need is Courtney Lee and Kevin Martin to play to their potential. That and maybe Aaron Brooks, upset he's not getting a new contract, will play angry good and they'll be back in the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING          Southwest: 3.0 | Standings       West: 7.3 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Los Angeles Clippers: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]We should know better than to envision best-case scenarios for the Clippers, but wouldn't a healthy Blake Griffin, a steady Eric Gordon and a fit Baron Davis equal playoff material? [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]If Baron Davis is healthy, engaged and all-in, the Clippers could be a big surprise. But that's a huge IF. Humongous. Blake Griffin looks like another great (yes, great!) big man -- and Eric Gordon is a hot young 2-guard. But Baron could hold this club back with his injuries, attitude and body language. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Clippers continue to be a Bill Simmons punchline, but after watching Blake Griffin tear it up in the preseason, I'm hedging on putting the Clippers too low. If he stays healthy, Baron Davis may actually engage and if that happens, the Clips could make a surprising run at the playoffs.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Come for the Blake Griffin highlights; stay to find out whether the good version of Baron Davis shows up. As good as Griffin and Eric Gordon look, this team's fate rests in Davis' hands. Can you trust them? [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]I'm aboard the Blake Griffin bandwagon, but nobody seems to realize the rest of this team is terrible, with a couple second-tier stars, no depth and a retread coach. And Angelenos, help me out -- is that Baron Davis playing point guard or LenDale White?.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Blake Griffin is a rookie, freakishly athletic and a big-time rebounder. But we don't know about the leadership around him. The malaise of playing in the Lakers' shadow hangs over the team -- they need to put the Clipper excuse out of their heads.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Good enough 1 through 5 to be a .500 team, but the dropoff is going to be precipitous when Vinny Del Negro has to go to the bench. Over/under on the number of times T.J. Simers references VDN's hair in his L.A. Times columns this season: 16.5. ROY race: Blake Griffin, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]All I really want to see from the Clips, selfish as it sounds, is a full season from Blake Griffin ... and the inevitable tug o' war with John Wall for Rookie of the Year honors that would follow. Otherwise trying not to get too carried away by the potential this group has on paper. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Blake Griffin was having a dominant preseason after sitting out all of last season after knee surgery. That alone is enough to make the Clippers worth staying up late occasionally to watch. But rookie of the year honors might be all the Clippers win this season. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Maybe one of the most intriguing teams in the league. Blake Griffin has looked fantastic in the preseason, Eric Gordon had a strong summer and Chris Kaman looks healthy. Now if it all stays this way they could be fun to watch. But they are the Clippers so it probably won't. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 3.1 | Standings           West: 11.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Los Angeles Lakers: 2010-11[/h3]
[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]The Lakers no longer worry about Ron Artest's head. No, it's Kobe Bryant's knee that's of greater concern, and as of now the greatest impediment to another championship.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Only severe injuries can keep the Lakers from winning the West. In a conference full of very good teams, they're in a class by themselves. Two big questions, though: will Andrew Bynum be healthy for the duration, and will Kobe, at 32, be the Kobe he was at 30 and 31? [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Lakers are still the team to beat, but getting a three-peat will be a challenge. Kobe Bryant is slowly starting to show his age, Lamar Odom played a lot of basketball this summer and could burn out, Andrew Bynum is already ailing and the competition in the league and in the West got stronger. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The two-time defending champions had a lot of questions surrounding their bench last season. Now those questions have been answered by bolstering the second unit with Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and Theo Ratliff. If they stay healthy, the West is theirs. If Kobe Bryant is banged up, the No. 1 seed is in danger. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The Lakers overcame knee injuries to Kobe and Bynum and some shaky point guard play to win it all. Those issues remain, but Miami's epic haul is the biggest obstacle to a three-peat. L.A. should win the West regardless, but one wonders if it will be as the No. 1 seed. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Is Kobe going to be able to hold up? Will he have to cut back on his minutes? It's a highly motivated team -- Kobe and Phil Jackson, especially -- because of what happened in Miami. I think they can beat the Heat.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Look, I've got them as my three-peaters, so the question then becomes: Who will win more regular-season games, these guys or the Heat? With East's weaker teams, gotta go with the SuperFriends on that one. As for the NBA Finals, I like these guys to get past the Celtics in yet another Game 7. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]No matter how slowly you think the defending champs will start with Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum still healing, let's be real: The Lakers remain massive favorites to post the best record in the conference and get back to the NBA Finals for a fourth straight season. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Even with Miami's moves, the two-time defending champs offered no reason to believe the Lakers won't three-peat for the second time behind Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. The bench was bolstered by Matt Barnes, Steve Blake and Theo Ratliff. Last season's best got even better. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Kobe Bryant's knee is far from right, Andrew Bynum's return date keeps getting pushed back and Ron Artest continues to run his mouth. Yet you don't see much concern on Phil Jackson's face, do you? That is because this team is deeper than last season's champs, with plenty of time to get healthy.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 1

West: 1[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 1.0 | Standings           West: 1.0 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Memphis Grizzlies: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Rudy Gay will be better, O.J. Mayo will be better, but does anyone on this team make anyone else better? That's the Grizzlies' biggest problem, one they never seem to address.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Only weakness is at the point, where Mike Conley has been a disappointment. The other four starters -- Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo -- are beyond legit, plus the bench was strengthened in the offseason with the addition of Tony Allen. The Grizz could be a surprise playoff team.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Grizzlies had a better than expected season last year thanks to a terrific performance by Zach Randolph and improvements by Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo. But they did little to improve their roster this summer while other teams in the West made up significant ground.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Grizzlies are primed to make another push toward the playoffs. The frontcourt is tough to compete against, but a lack of competent guard play makes you wonder whether they can kick anybody off the postseason dance floor. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]If the Grizzlies can get close to 400 games from their solid starting five, and owner and de facto GM Michael Heisley avoids doing anything horrifically stupid, they could squeak into the playoffs. Unfortunately, neither scenario appears likely. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Zach Randolph, a positive locker room influence last year? I think that opened some eyes. He can score against any post player in the league. Those young players looked up to him. With Marc Gasol, they can match up with just about anybody up front.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]This is my sleeper team from the West, and I can't overemphasize what a difference maker Tony Allen will be for this team on defense. If there is a God, he will give us Allen vs. Kobe Bryant and Marc Gasol vs. Pau Gasol in the first round. Meantime, who will be an All-Star: Rudy Gay or Zach Randolph? [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]This was one of the more interesting teams to watch last season, speaking purely as an neutral viewer, but it took a virtual perfect storm just for the Grizz to flirt with .500. Who dares to presume that things will go even that smoothly again when Rudy Gay has been paid ... but Z-Bo hasn't?[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]After making Rudy Gay the clear-cut leader of the franchise, the Grizzlies are hoping to take the next step and contend for one of the final playoff spots in the West. It's not out of the question if Zach Randolph remains a 20-10 guy and O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol steadily progress. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Wow, that was a lot of money to give to Rudy Gay. Now, Zach Randolph has his hand out. Considering he was the key to the team's turnaround last year, will we see the good Zach or the bad Zach this season? Of note, Marc Gasol is developing nicely and Tony Allen was an underrated pickup. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING          Southwest: 4.6 | Standings       West: 10.5 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Minnesota Timberwolves: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]I'll try to focus on the positive: Wesley Johnson has an NBA-ready game and Nikola Pekovic has NBA-ready size. Otherwise? See you in Secaucus. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]While no one wants to go from Miami to Minnesota, the move could be the best thing for Michael Beasley, who I think will make a strong run at the Most Improved Player award. And if the coaching staff finally gives Kevin Love the starter's minutes he deserves, he'll be a double-double machine. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]GM David Kahn overhauled the roster in two years, but I'm skeptical. Kevin Love is now the core of the team, which is a good thing. New additions like Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster and Nikola Pekovic should help. I think the Wolves will compete with the Nets and Raptors for the worst record.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Wolves are more athletic and seemingly faster than they were last season. But where is the interior defense? Where is the consistency from Michael Beasley? Where is the guarantee of consistent Kevin Love minutes? And where is Ricky Rubio? All of these questions need to be answered before the wins come.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]The good news: Kevin Love is a stud, the Wolves have apparently ditched the triangle offense silliness, and the squad put together a very strong preseason. The bad news: GM David Kahn's head-scratching moves have left Wolves fans nostalgic for Kevin McHale. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]It's not going to be pretty. Michael Beasley is going to get a chance to show what he's got. I like Wesley Johnson, but he's coming into a losing environment.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]If you are David Kahn and you have a logjam at the 4 with Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Nikola Pekovic, who do you move? (Insert your own punchline about how many low first-round picks and/or point guards they would want back in return). Fantasy advice: Martell Webster can be had cheap.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Wolves have become the team that everyone loves to pile on. And something tells me that an unexpectedly successful preseason for Sota's, uh, eclectic mix of recent high draft picks ain't going to change that any time soon. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Ricky Rubio is still overseas, Al Jefferson was dealt to Utah and Michael Beasley is now the most dynamic player on the roster. That equates to another season of growing pains for coach Kurt Rambis. But hey, Beasley will get the numbers and touches he craved in Miami. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]If you don't follow the league closely and you start a sentence with "I wonder what ever happened to ... " assume that player has been on the Wolves roster over the last two years. If this team has a direction, we can't find it. Another year of massive roster turnover and uncertainty how it all fits. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 5

West: 15[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 5 | Standings         West: 14.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For New Orleans Hornets: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]As long as the payroll costs take priority, Chris Paul will be in purgatory. But at least he'll be in New Orleans for a full season. Doubt we'll be able to say that next season.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West:11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Obviously, I'm not putting much stock in the preseason. I am a believer in Chris Paul, though, and even though he doesn't want to be with the mediocre Hornets, his talent can lift them to playoff berth. Monty Williams is a good young coach and Trevor Ariza should thrive next to Paul. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]When healthy, Chris Paul may be the best PG, but can his supporting cast help the Hornets get over the hump? Trevor Ariza, along with veterans like Emeka Okafor and David West, can help the team make some noise. Given the troubles in Denver and Phoenix, the playoff window is open. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Chris Paul is still the top point guard in the NBA. Unfortunately, his team doesn't seem capable of matching half his talents. Paul is good enough to keep the Hornets competitive and in the playoff hunt. But they are not good enough to validate his efforts and get back into the playoffs. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Since he was rarely healthy last season, it's easy to forget how dominant Chris Paul can be at full strength. His star-studded play should keep the Hornets above .500 and in the playoff chase despite a paper-thin frontcourt and the usual miserable cap management. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]The Chris Paul situation is distracting and demoralizing. This is a team that could be on the brink of collapse, depending on what happens with CP3. They're going to take a significant step back.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]This is another team I can see going 4-0 against the Wolves, then losing three quarters of their remaining games. Who ya got for most 3-pointers made: Marco Bellinelli or Peja Stojakovic? I'll take the Italian kid. I'll vote them most likely to purge payroll with the failed sale of the team. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 5

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Hard to imagine the Hornets having as many health problems as they did last season. But the happiness questions (as in: Can the new regime keep Chris Paul satisifed?) aren't going away just because there's a more immediate focus on Carmelo Anthony.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Depending on who you talk to, Chris Paul is either biding his time until he can get out of the Big Easy, or he's genuinely interested in giving new GM Dell Demps and coach Monty Williams a shot to salvage things. The Hornets are on hard times. There's no quick fix. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]This is a team at the tipping point, and it could go either way. With Chris Paul and David West and a potential trade chip in Peja Stojakovic, there's hope. But with ownership uncertainty, along with a coach and GM who are both rookies, the danger of Paul re-visiting his demands is quite unsettling. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 4

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southwest: 4.1 | Standings         West: 9.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Oklahoma City Thunder: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Even if they can't avoid injuries as successfully as last season the Thunder will still find the five more victories they need to move near the top of the West. By April we'll be talking about Russell Westbrook in addition to Kevin Durant.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]This club has defied logic for 1½ seasons, so why can't they win the power-packed Northwest? Kevin Durant's the MVP pick: can he live up to the hype? His play in Turkey says yes. Can Russell Westbrook continue to improve, and can Serge Ibaka reach the promise he displayed in last season's playoffs? [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Kevin Durant is the front-runner for the MVP award this year. Russell Westbrook looked like a potential star for Team USA, and the Thunder have a ton of effective role players and an excellent coach. May be premature here, but they have the ability to knock the Lakers off. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Playing as the surprise darling of the NBA and playing with a national audience watching as you try to meet elite expectations are two very different things. The Thunder don't have the inside presence they lacked last season, but Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant could be the most exciting combo outside South Beach. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]A popular pick for No. 2, it says here the Thunder will have to endure growing pains first. The league's healthiest team in 2009-10 will inevitably face more adversity on that front, and while they have the assets for a home run trade they may sit tight for another year. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Kevin Durant is going to be MVP. Last year he became a better rebounder and defender, and the WC took his confidence to a whole new level. I look for him to take this team where nobody thought it could go this quickly.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Fell in love even more with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook while covering them at the Worlds, fell out of love with Jeff Green while watching him play himself off the team before the Americans left for Europe.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]We expect a lot out of these kids now ... and you can't expect the Thunder to be as healthy as they were last season. Two interesting variables to threaten the widespread anointment of OKC as the Lakers' biggest threat out West, even amid Durant's undeniable leap to full-fledged superstar.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Returning league scoring champion Kevin Durant and crew won't sneak up on anyone this season after giving the Lakers a first-round scare last season. Russell Westbrook will produce like a top-5 point guard this season. If there's an Achilles' heel, it's a lack of size/rebounding. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]People assume this team will make a major jump this season but don't forget it was pretty good last year, winning 50. In addition to Kevin Durant, a reason to really like this team is team-wide length. They will make everyone they play uncomfortable. But for the first time they must deal with expectations. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING          Northwest: 1.1 | Standings       West: 2.9 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Phoenix Suns: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]I already miss those Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire pick-and-rolls. Can't see how Hedo Turkoglu will fit in. The Suns will miss Leandro Barbosa, too. Last season they were 32-12 with him, 22-16 without. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]Folks hearken back to a few years ago when the Suns rolled without an injured Amare Stoudemire as evidence that they won't miss him much. But Steve Nash had a second star that season in Shawn Marion. This year, he doesn't. What he does have is a very nice collection of versatile role players.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]Is this the year the Suns' flame is extinguished? They still have Steve Nash and they're determined to play up-tempo again, but the loss of Amare Stoudemire, the middling talent everywhere else, along with Nash's age, keep them from being a major threat anymore.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 11[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Don't give up on the Suns. Their style of play is too hard to keep up with throughout the regular season. Nobody wants to play this team on the end of a back-to-back, a fourth game in five nights or a day that ends in "y." [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Suns fans will note they usually do their best when we expect the least, including the last time they lost Amare Stoudemire. Not this time. In 2005-06 they only won eight games fewer sans Amare; that total will double for Small Forwards Anonymous in 2010-11.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 10[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Steve Nash is going to feel more pressure to do more -- he's going to have to score more. They've been thin up front for years, but now they don't have that stud in the middle after losing Amare Stoudemire. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Got 'em second in their division, even though I believe they'll take the biggest tumble in the won-loss column after putting up 54 W's a season ago. They will see a lot more of defenders staying home on shooters now that opponents will not need to sag into the post to cover Amare Stoudemire. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 9[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Suns were last season's Cinderellas, but they're even smaller than they were. (Case in point: Grant Hill or Hedo Turkoglu might be starting at power forward.) The denizens of Planet Orange are thus forced to scale back their expectations. Significantly. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The end of the Amare era doesn't mean the end of the Suns' chances to challenge out West. As long as Steve Nash is running the show and Grant Hill and Jason Richardson are productive, Phoenix has a fighting chance. The lack of size and post presence must be addressed. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Of the teams deserted by a star in free agency, none were more proactive than the Suns in trying to upgrade. Hedo Turkoglu may have issues fitting in but his skill set should work with Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick. If Steve Nash still has gas in the tank the Suns should be a playoff team. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 2.2 | Standings           West: 8.4 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Portland Trail Blazers: 2010-11[/h3]





[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]If everyone's healthy it could create more problems than it solves. How do Brandon Roy and Andre Miller split the ballhandling duties? How many touches for Greg Oden? Will Rudy Fernandez say he wants out in a third language?[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]If the injury bug leaves them alone this season, particularly regarding Greg Oden, the Blazers could win the division and grab the second seed. Besides that, a big question is, can Andre Miller and Brandon Roy coexist and thrive together? They're going to have to for the Blazers to be a threat. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Blazers are the West's sleeping giant. Last year the team had a terrific season, despite a flurry of injuries. We're still waiting to see if Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla can come back healthy, but even if they can't, the Blazers are loaded with talent. They could be the best team in the West. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]Brandon Roy wants the ball a lot more. This isn't the first time he's asked for this, but it might now be an option the Blazers can't ignore. Ride Roy's ability and pray for health in the frontcourt. Rinse, lather, repeat. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Given the offseason tumult, the masses seem to have forgotten that the Blazers are absolutely loaded. That's true even if Greg Oden is only an occasional participant. The talent isn't as cohesive as L.A.'s, nor as top-heavy, but a trade may yet change that. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 1

West: 2[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Managing injuries is what it comes down to for this team. Who knows what you're going to get from Greg Oden? Where's Brandon Roy going to be with his knee? Health is always going to be a question for the Blazers until they can show they're over it.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Who will give them more bang for the buck: Wes Matthews or Greg Oden? Me, I'm going with Matthews. And on a side note, I'm going with Rudy Fernandez as a co-favorite with TJ Ford of Indiana as the most likely to be traded first. So strong 1 through 5, give them the edge over Denver in the Northwest. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The Blazers probably didn't get enough credit for what they did last season in the face of so many injuries. But it's likewise hard to shake the suspicion that they can get enough games from Brandon Roy and Greg Oden to make a sustained push.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Injuries and poor chemistry derailed Portland yet again last season. The Rudy Fernandez saga proves there's always someone disgruntled. But Nate McMillan has established a pecking order that starts with Brandon Roy on offense and Marcus Camby on defense. Greg Oden gets a third chance to make a first impression. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]They simply haven't had a chance because of their injuries and general bad luck. No matter what, they still have one of the best pick-and-roll combos in Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. This promises to be a skin-tight divisional race again and karma says the Blazers are owed some fortune. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 2.3 | Standings         West: 4.8 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Sacramento Kings: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]While their youth will overshadow their talent at times, the Kings have a good shot at their first winning season since '05-06. DeMarcus Cousins' bid for rookie of the year will negate a possible sophomore slump by Tyreke Evans. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]The early returns show that the Kings hit the jackpot with DeMarcus Cousins, meaning they have the building blocks -- stars in the backcourt (Tyreke Evans) and frontcourt (Cousins) -- for a top-flight squad in the future. The key phrase is "in the future.'' For now, this young group will continue to struggle. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The combo of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins gives them two very formidable building blocks. I'm also a fan of Carl Landry. But after those three, there aren't a lot of other players on the Kings that wow you. Building blocks are there, but it's going to be a few years before they're a playoff team.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The Kings have two of most exciting young players in the league. However, they still struggle shooting from the outside and they will struggle to close out games with such terrible free throw shooting. Those have to be corrected to make the Thunder Leap. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]I worry I've undersold the Kings, because the Tyreke Evans-DeMarcus Cousins combo is potentially devastating. However, whether that potential is realized this year -- or ever -- remains an open question, while the help both on the floor and upstairs appears wanting. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Refreshing to see Tyreke Evans come in and play the complete game. Now, how does he take a team that's down to a whole new level? DeMarcus Cousins can be a monster, and can back up the menace he brings to the paint.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]They get our vote as the team most likely to apply for relocation. Also, as the worst team that will still manage to go 4-0 against Minnesota. The bright side: Cousins will be a beast, and he and Tyreke Evans are a couple of very solid building blocks at the two most important positions. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Kings fans have some hope again with a young duo as talented as the combo of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. But there will be headaches, too, until this very young franchise duo can answer some questions about how their respective games will actually click.[/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 5

West: 14[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]Even with the offseason acquisition of "Sluggish" Sammy Dalembert, there's plenty to like about the Kings. Tyreke Evans can drive this team to better days if he stays out of his own fast lane off the court. DeMarcus Cousins may be best big man drafted since Dwight Howard. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 3

West: 12[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Could be a fascinating season to follow the Kings because of the unknown impact by DeMarcus Cousins. He promises to be a polarizing player who will have plenty of ups and downs. Tyreke Evans is a wonder but he needs to show improvement in his weaknesses for the Kings to stay on track. [/td][td]

[h3]Pacific: 4

West: 13[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING             Pacific: 4.4 | Standings           West: 13.3 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For San Antonio Spurs: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Gregg Popovich is the best at managing his stars' minutes, only the payoff has decreased lately. Tiago Splitter's arrival makes the Spurs less dependent on Tim Duncan, but is that a good thing?[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

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[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]This is the last hurrah for this historic group -- and I don't expect it to be much of a hurrah. No way the Spurs miss the playoffs, but if some of the younger squads emerge, I wouldn't be surprised by an eighth seed. One thing that could derail a mundane season is Tony Parker playing for a contract. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Spurs continue to find a way to stay relevant, even as their core ages. The emergence of George Hill and DeJuan Blair was a revelation last season and I'm expecting a significant contribution from rookie Tiago Splitter this year. Not sure the Spurs can challenge the Lakers, but they'll be tough. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]The mystique of the Spurs seems to have completely worn off, but their talent level is still very high. They have some more legitimate size with Tiago Splitter finally joining the NBA. As always, the health of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili controls the Spurs' hopes of contending. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]Yes, the window is still open. Point differential says they were better than their record a year ago, and the addition of Tiago Splitter and presumed return to health of Tony Parker mean the Spurs should move back to their familiar perch in the West's top 3. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 1

West: 3[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Their days of winning 65 and rolling to the finals are over. Big question is how they can get George Hill and DeJuan Blair more involved. Tiago Splitter is physical and will take a lot of pressure off Tim Duncan.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 7[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]With Manu Ginobili being moved into the starting five, this is really the first time you can make the argument that he is the most important player on the team -- ahead of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. I've got 'em in 53-win territory, which will be one or two short of what they'll need to top Houston. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

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[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]The biggest threat to the Lakers out West might still be San Antonio's familiar faces, provided that Tiago Splitter is indeed an immediate impact player and Tony Parker (contract year) and Richard Jefferson (lots of offseason work) indeed have big bounce-back seasons in store.[/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]As long as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are on the court and Gregg Popovich is on the bench, the Spurs are title contenders. Richard Jefferson was a disappointment last season. But a fresh start and improvement from George Hill and DeJuan Blair are in order. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Seems like they've been waiting for big man Tiago Splitter for a decade and he comes at the right time. These dogs can still hunt but they are on the decline and have been searching for an infusion. Manu Ginobili was masterful in a contract year; they need the same magic from Tony Parker to have a chance. [/td][td]

[h3]Southwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Southwest: 2.0 | Standings         West: 5.0 | Standings[/h3]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[h3]Predicted Finish For Utah Jazz: 2010-11[/h3]




[table][tr][th=""]ANALYST[/th][th=""]COMMENT[/th][th=""]PREDICTIONS[/th][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks[/h3]Has Deron Williams been that good or has Al Jefferson been that unlucky? Deron has won four playoff series in four years. Big Al's never won a playoff series. Williams' way will win out. Oh, and can we get a coach of the year award for Jerry Sloan? [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks[/h3]They lost one of the top bigs but shouldn't miss a beat. Al Jefferson cancels out the loss of Carlos Boozer. Mehmet Okur's health is a huge key, and Paul Millsap should step up to the challenge of replacing Booz. They'll miss Kyle Korver's shooting. Will a contract year spark Andrei Kirilenko? [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks[/h3]The Jazz lost Carlos Boozer, but I'm not sure they took a step backward thanks to the addition of Al Jefferson. Jefferson is younger, makes less money and he's hungry to play for a winner. If Mehmet Okur can get back to full strength by the end of December, the Jazz will be dangerous. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live | Harper's picks[/h3]There is no guarantee Al Jefferson will be a good fit in the offensive system, but I'm willing to give Jerry Sloan the benefit of the doubt when it comes to maximizing Jefferson's effectiveness in Utah. The Jazz switched out a lot of key role players, but Deron Williams and his coach remain. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks[/h3]As long as they don't trade Andrei Kirilenko for Boris Diaw, which my analysis says would cost them several games, the Jazz should be fine. The free-agency-battered roster isn't as deep or potent as last season's, but nabbing Al Jefferson should keep Utah in the top 8. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Tim Legler, ESPN | Legler's picks[/h3]Paul Millsap steps up as a 20-10-caliber player, and may be more productive than Carlos Boozer. Deron Williams is the best PG in the NBA -- a better defender than Steve Nash, and better offensively than Chris Paul.[/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 4[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks[/h3]Al Jefferson will make Utahans forget about Carlos Boozer in a matter of weeks. May go down as the biggest fleece trade in the NBA in the past 10 years (and no, I am not forgetting about Steve Francis/Trevor Ariza). Deron Williams is the best point guard in the NBA, IMHO. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks[/h3]Would you swap Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver for Al Jefferson and Raja Bell? If you knew you also still had Paul Millsap, of course you would. Throw in Mehmet Okur's eventual return from injury, Andrei Kirilenko trade chatter and a sparkling preseason and this is one of the league's more intriguing teams. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 2

West: 5[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Michael Wallace, ESPN.com | Wallace's picks[/h3]The Jazz might actually come out ahead by gaining Al Jefferson and Earl Watson after losing Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver. Deron Williams has plenty of parts to work with to keep the Jazz in the playoff mix in what will be another tight race in the West. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 4

West: 8[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td]

[/td][td][h3]Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com | Windhorst's picks[/h3]Losing Carlos Boozer hurt but Al Jefferson is no slouch. This team dominates at home and has a firmly entrenched system. Big X factor is how Mehmet Okur can come back from bad Achilles injury and whether ownership allows for Andrei Kirilenko's contract to be used for an upgrade. [/td][td]

[h3]Northwest: 3

West: 6[/h3]​

[/td][/tr][tr][td][h3]
AVERAGE RANKING            Northwest: 2.7 | Standings         West: 5.5 | Standings[/h3]
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