Regular Season Power Rankings
[B][U][U]Regular Season Power Rankings[/U][/U][/B]
1. [B]Dallas[/B] - They're always strong during the regular season, with depth and new confidence and experience from going deep into the playoffs, they should lead the league in wins.
2. [B]Miami[/B] - Despite being the champs they're an aging team, however they seemed to tap the right chemistry during their playoff run. Although with Shaq's regular season philosphy, (win enough games for the playoffs) their regular season record may go as high as 48-49 wins, enough to win the Atlantic.
3. [B]San Antonio[/B] - They still have the pieces to finish the season with the top record and win it all. Their only obstacle is sharing the same division and state as Dallas. Injuries are begining to really be a plague on this team.
4. [B]Detroit[/B] - People jumped off the Pistons bandwagon after their meltdown in the playoffs. Much like last year, these guys have yet something new to prove. Winning without Big Ben. These guys thrive on being the underdogs.
5. [B]Phoenix[/B] - Barring injuries, Nash, Marion, Amare and Co. should blaze through another 50+ win season with their refined uptempo game. Their bench is loaded with solid players.
6. [B]New Jersey[/B] - After one full season w/ Kidd, Carter, Jefferson we found that this is a team capable of winning every night. With the right chemistry formulated w/the starters, the question remains with the bench.
7. [B]Cleveland[/B] - Team gained a lot of confidence after a stong finish in the playoffs. They'll be under attack all season as east contenders will try to figure out how to dismantle them before heading into the playoffs.
8. [B]LA Clippers[/B] - Well balanced team with a clear focus on a championship, not just making the playoffs. Young gun Livingston coming up with rejuvenated swingman Tim Thomas coming off the bench.
9. [B]Sacramento[/B] - Ron Artest starts the season w/ the Kings. New coach should rejuvenate the offense. Before Artest they were horrible, they carry a similar projection the Nuggets had the year before.
10. [B]Denver[/B] - Should claim a weak Northwest division title. With Carmelo Anthony blowing up, Kenyon Martin growing up, and the rest of the team staying healthy, they should be back on course to all the high expectations that had preceded them the year before.
[B][U]On the brink of a breakout season [/U][/B](the best of the rest)
LA Lakers, Chicago, Houston, Indiana, New Orleans, Orlando