NBA Tipoff

OK, so the start of this NBA Season snuck up on me and I didn't get to do my elaborate full on NBA preview. I'll give you a quick abbreviated preview though (as I'm at work).

Eastern Conference Playoff Teams

1. Boston Celtics: Another finals appearance not out of the question.  

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Mo Williams could be the run and gun teammate LeBron has been looking for... but is any front court slower than Ben Wallace and the Big Z.

3. Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard is one of the Top 10 players in the league. Time for him to take this team deeper in the playoffs.

4. Detroit Pistons: Veteran squad could take a slight step back this year. Will be interested to see how Chauncey deals with some his minutes going to Rodney Stuckey (chance to be very special).

5. Philadelphia 76ers: Big Elton Brand could take Philly into the second round. An outside shooter will need to emerge to go any further.

6. Toronto Raptors: Bosh and O'Neal are a formidable front line. If Bargnani can guard anyone they have a chance to be scary good.

7. Atlanta Hawks: So much talent. They need an inspired Mike Bibby as well as Josh Smith and Marvin Williams to not rely so much on their outside games. 

8. Washington Wizards: Fun team to watch will have to scrape and claw to keep Miami and Chicago from trying to sneak in. Well balanced team that will be better when Gilbert Arenas comes back.

Western Conference Playoff Teams

1. Los Angeles Lakers: 60-65 wins plus a parade in June. Bynum makes a world of difference in bringing a title back to LA.

2. New Orleans Hornets: A trip to the Western Finals for this Chris Paul led bunch. James Posey's man hugs and words of encouragement might just be what they needed in the Big Easy.

3. Utah Jazz: Could this be the last hurrah for this squad with Boozer flirting with Miami.

4. San Antonio Spurs: It's an odd year (when the season ends) which means they are normally champs. Not so this year. The ailing Argentine (Ginobili) hurts them.

5. Houston Rockets: Have all the pieces in place, but will Artest behave, and will Yao stay healthy... both big question marks.

6. Dallas Mavericks: Can Rick Carlisle get this team to play some defense. If they want to make the second round they better.

7. Portland Trailblazers: Could be the makings of a dynasty. I love what they have done with this squad.  Roy, Aldredge and Oden are very strong (and will be for years to come).

8. Phoenix Suns: The sun is starting to set for this older running squad. I don't think Porter can change the mindset in one year. Plus 3/5 of his starting rotation is 35. They'll barely hold off the Nuggets for the 8th spot.

NBA Finals

Lakers over the Celtics in 6

MVP

Kobe Bryant: Wants to continue to show the world he is the baddest ball player on the planet. He'll also benefit from the Lakers being on national TV a ton. Lebron James and Chris Paul should be a close second and third.

ROY

Derrick Rose: Playing the point for his hometown Bulls in Vinny Del Negro's up tempo system should do wonder for his numbers. Michael Beasley and Greg Oden come in right behind him. 

Defensive Player of the Year

Kevin Garnet: Keep it where it was last year. Great one on one as well as team defender. One of the most complete defenders in the history of the NBA. Between him and Tom Thibedeau they changed the defensive mindset of an entire team.

Coach of the Year

Erik Spoelstra: The Heat will be much improved with a healthy Wade, Marion for a full season and Michael Beasley. A 10-15 win improvement is not out of the question. 

NBA First Team

PG-Chris Paul: Hornets

SG-Kobe Bryant: Lakers

SF-Lebron James: Cavaliers

PF-Elton Brand: 76ers

C-Dwight Howard: Magic

NBA Second Team

PG-Deron Williams: Jazz

SG-Brandon Roy: Trailblazers

SF-Carmelo Anthony: Nuggets

PF-Kevin Garnett: Celtics

C-Yao Ming: Rockets