By Sam Amico / the Amico Report

The numbers next to each team are Sam Amico's predicted finishes in the division. This is the Atlantic division. These are not the consensus predictions of Inside Hoops. Our predictions come this week.

7. CHICAGO BULLS

Coach: Bill Cartwright, second year.

Last season: 21-61, did not make playoffs.

Starters: C Eddy Curry, F Tyson Chandler, F Donyell Marshall, G Jalen Rose, G Jay Williams (r).

Key subs: F Marcus Fizer, G Jamal Crawford, F Eddie Robinson, G Trenton Hassell, F/C Corie Blount.

New faces: Marshall, Williams, Blount, G Roger Mason Jr. (r), F Lonny Baxter (r).

Strengths: Rose is one of the league's most confident players and a guy who will consistently give you 18-22 points. Curry and Chandler are rapidly improving under the guidance of Cartwright, and both are in line to become the NBA's next great big men. Marshall is a hard-working rebounder who should fit in well.

Weaknesses: Again, a lack of experience and depth will haunt the Bulls. Things look much more promising than they did at this time last season, but other than Rose, there isn't a backcourt player who has received meaningful NBA minutes. Williams and Crawford each may develop into something special, but neither is there yet.

Outlook: Three starters are still receiving on-the-job training, and beyond Fizer and Robinson -- one of whom could still be traded -- there's not much to brag about off the bench. Still, the Bulls will be an exciting bunch, and as long as Rose is willing to concede some shots and glory to Curry and Chandler, the Bulls will be headed in the right direction. Just like last season, Chicago will be much better at the end than the beginning. Unlike last year, it could win 25 games.

Radio: ESPN-1000 AM.

8. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Coach: John Lucas, second year.

Last season: 29-53, did not make playoffs.

Starters: C Zydrunas Ilgauskas, F Tyrone Hill, F Darius Miles, G Ricky Davis, G Bimbo Coles.

Key subs: G Dajuan Wagner (r), F Jumaine Jones, C Chris Mihm, F Carlos Boozer (r), C DeSagana Diop.

Strengths: Pretty soon, Cleveland may consider using the motto: "Miles-Davis Makes Great Music." That's because those two are young, unbelievably athletic and loads of fun to watch. They also should be the cornerstones of this franchise for years to come. Having said that, if Ilgauskas stays healthy, he is this season's go-to guy.

Weaknesses: You can start at point guard and go right on down the bench. Coles is a nice fella, but he's also injury-prone and extremely limited. Jones has played well in the preseason, but neither Diop nor Boozer is ready for meaningful minutes in the frontcourt. And that doesn't even address the Cavs' perimeter shooting, as nobody on this team can make a three-pointer.

Outlook: The Cavs of Miles, Davis and Wagner will be way more entertaining than the trio of Andre Miller, Lamond Murray and Wes Person. It's not even close. But there are too many things to overcome here -- namely, no outside game, no bench, and worst of all, not much time playing together or under Lucas. The lottery awaits the Cavs once again, so check back in a season or two. In the meantime, enjoy watching the high-flying ways of Miles-Davis, and the heart and hustle of Wagner, Ilgauskus and Hill.

Radio: WTAM-1100 AM.

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