NBA Predictions

So I can no longer contain my excitement, enthusiasm and joy for the upcoming NBA season. As some people who read this may be aware, I am a dedicated and passionate Miami Heat fan and I have been since 1991. Now I will be honest here, the reason that I started going for them was that they had the same colour jersey as the first basketball team that I played for, City Devils in the Newcastle U11 competition. But since then I have followed and supported them through the good and the bad. But courtesy of 'The Decision' Miami Heat just signed up for a whole lot more good!

The Big 3 (courtesy of Heat.com)

So I thought I would break down how I see the NBA playoff teams for next season. And I'll start with the East due to my bias towards Miami.

NBA Eastern Conference Playoff teams 10/11:
1. Miami Heat
I see Miami winning 60+ games next season. Plenty of columnists and critics alike have pointed out that there may be chemistry issues. Purely and simply I don't see that happening. These 3 main guys in Bosh, Wade and James have played for Team USA together and have been in Allstar teams as starters. So they know how to play together. They're friends which always makes it easier. Add to that, the overwhelming desire that these guys have to play together and win, and I simply don't see them losing many games as long as they remain healthy. I say 60+ and not 70 like some may say purely because I see Coach Spoelstra resting these guys late in the season once the playoffs are locked in.

2. Orlando Magic
Maybe the only team capable of challenging Miami for years to come. Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson are proven performers. Add J.J Reddick's continued improvement and the signing of quality backup PG Chris Duhon and these guys have depth. Former Heat player Quentin Richardson will also add a spark for them and will certainly love the challenge of competing against one of his best friends in DWade.

3. Boston Celtics
Formed a Big 3 of their own a few years back. Added 'Shrek and Donkey' in Glenn Davis and Nate Robinson. And have signed back up big men in Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal. I think age will prove to be too much for them this year with youthful exuberance to be their undoing. Shaq is not the force he was, and will create more problems for Rajon Rondo then help. Jermaine O'Neal has consistently gone missing in the playoffs and theres not a whole lot of depth on the bench. Will need Pearce, Garnett and Allen to play big down the stretch. Do their tired old legs still have it?

4. Atlanta Hawks
To put it simply, I expect them to continue on from last year. If Joe Johnson doesn't do a Michael Redd, then he will continue to be an Allstar and a vital cog in this team. Josh Smith is working on his outside shot and is a great defender. They have all the pieces but probably lack the polish that the three teams above will be able to put on their performances.

5. Milwalkee Bucks
A healthy Andrew Bogut will be on deck come season tip off and Brandon Jennings has a point to prove after missing out on ROY honours last year. John Salmons has resigned and the front office made some great moves getting Drew Gooden and Corey Maggette on this team. Mbah a Moute and Illyasova will continue to push for starting positions in this team which will only make the starters better. Have made a couple of trades to get deeper on the bench.

6. Chicago Bulls
People talk of Miami having chemistry issues, but this is the team that I see having them. Boozer is a great pick up for them, but he's a half court player. For him to be effective and contribute Utah like numbers he'll need Derrick Rose to slow this offence down a little. That will cause some issues for Noah. Noah is a high energy guy who is suited more to the 2007 Phoenix Suns style of play. Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer will also help, but this is a young team of core players and could start slowly.

7. Philedelphia 76ers
Andre Iguodala is a star. Add Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, Elton Brand and Jrue Holiday and thats a solid starting 5. A good mix of youth and experience on this squad. They have some depth, and with Charlotte losing Felton and Tyson Chandler I think Philly will make it.

8. New York Knicks
Amare Stoudemire. 'Nuff said. This guy has played his whole career to this point in the tougher Western Conference. Sure the East is probably the tougher conference now, but theres maybe 3 centres that he will have to play regularly that will cause him trouble. Outside of Boston, Milwalkee and Orlando theres no real power centres in the East. Raymond Felton will love having 'STAT' as a target. Theres a good core around them with Gallinari, Toney Douglas and Wilson Chandler. The New York-Miami rivalry may return, and I see New York returning to the playoffs this year.

So thats my predictions people. Like em or leave em! I'll discuss the West later on this week.

Later!