Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

1. Boston

As long as the Big Three stay healthy, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will keep the Celtics atop this weak division.

2. Philadelphia

Coach Eddie Jordan needs PG Louis Williams to replace Andre Miller and effectively direct an offense featuring Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand.

3. Toronto

If Hedo Turkoglu is the added scorer needed to take some pressure off Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani, the Raptors could quickly move up.

4. New Jersey

The Nets have a rising 1-2 punch in Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, but there's little else to indicate this is a playoff-caliber team.

5. New York

Looking ahead to the upcoming LeBron James Derby, the Knicks will score a lot and lose a lot. The draft pick they owe Utah could be a beauty.

Central Division

1. Cleveland

Trying to match up better with Orlando, the Cavs acquired Shaquille O'Neal and signed Jamario Moon. They were good last year and have improved.

2. Chicago

Expected to pursue Dwyane Wade in free agency next summer, the Bulls still have enough talent to be best-of-the-rest in this division.

3. Detroit

The new-look Pistons don't appear capable of contending. But free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva will help them make a playoff push.

4. Milwaukee

Michael Redd missed 49 games last season, Andrew Bogut missed 46 and top rookie Joe Alexander struggled. Things have to get better, right?

5. Indiana

Danny Granger is an All-Star, but barring unexpected production from young bigs Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough, the Pacers will miss the playoffs again.

Southeast Division

1. Orlando

The Magic expect a healthy Jameer Nelson, the acquisition of Vince Carter and continued dominance by Dwight Howard to push them over the top.

2. Atlanta

Don't expect the rising Hawks to overtake the Celtics, Cavs or Magic in the East, but they will keep closing the gap. The future looks bright.

3. Washington

An injury outbreak doomed the Wizards last year, but Gilbert Arenas returns and new coach Flip Saunders could guide them back to the playoffs.

4. Charlotte

Looking for a surprise team in the East? Consider the Bobcats, who are versatile (Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw) and well-coached (Larry Brown).

5. Miami

If the Heat want to keep Dwyane Wade interested in staying, they will have to outplay preseason expectations. A healthy Jermaine O'Neal will help.

 

Western Conference

Southwest Division

1. San Antonio

No team had a better offseason than the Spurs, who signed Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff and acquired Richard Jefferson. Too old? No way.

2. Dallas

Their win total has plunged from 67 to 51 to 50 and they have disappointed in the playoffs. Newcomer Shawn Marion will help, but ...

3. New Orleans

Another team in danger of dropping back in this once-deep division, the Hornets' hopes depend on All-Star Chris Paul getting more help.

4. Houston

Rick Adelman is an exceptional coach, but keeping the Rockets relevant without injured Yao Ming and vintage Tracy McGrady is a tough task.

5. Memphis

The Grizzlies' big offseason additions: Allen Iverson and Zach Randolph -- two veterans known for setting a good example and building chemistry. Or not.

Northwest Division

1. Portland

Incoming QB Andre Miller will get the credit or the blame, depending on the Blazers' success this season. Expect him to get a lot of credit.

2. Denver

Acquiring Chauncey Billups last season turned the Nuggets from underachievers to conference finalist. They can do just as well this year, too.

3. Utah

Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer missed 59 games last year. Still, the Jazz finished just six games behind Denver. Welcome to a three-team race.

4. Oklahoma City

The Thunder will be one of the NBA's most improved teams. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook form a young-but-dynamic Big Three.

5. Minnesota

The best bet in basketball? The Timberwolves will finish last in this division. Al Jefferson and Kevin Love are keepers, but they need more help.

Pacific Division

1. L.A. Lakers

The Lakers might have this division clinched by the All-Star break. Their second unit might be the next-best "team" in the top-heavy Pacific.

2. Phoenix

Steve Nash is getting older and Shaquille O'Neal has been traded, so the Suns aren't title contenders. But reaching the playoffs is a realistic goal.

3. L.A. Clippers

They have made the playoffs four times during their 25 years in L.A. But the suddenly solid Clippers have a chance this season.

4. Golden State

Monta Ellis' return from injury helps, but the Warriors enter the season with questions surrounding top scorer Stephen Jackson, who wants to be traded.

5. Sacramento

New coach Paul Westphal is in charge of rebuilding the Kings, who have one star (Kevin Martin) and a roster loaded with young role players.