The Celtics will win the Eastern Conference. I’m not going to include any “if they’re healthy” disclaimers because the same thing can go for all teams, but think about this. The core that slipped by the Bulls and put up a fight against Orlando has another year of experience from which to draw on – by itself. Now factor in a hungry, determined Kevin Garnett, and the Cavs are waiting another year for LeBron to get to the big show. If you’re betting on records, the Celtics should top 60 wins again this year.

Speaking of LeBron, here’s my Cavs prediction. The addition of Shaq won’t be all that much more of a factor than the addition of Ben Wallace was. The Cavs might be hot out of the gates again, but Shaq’s pretty old, and he’ll wear out before they hit the 30-game mark. The Cavs still lack depth, and it proved to be a thorn in their side last year…not that the Magic are 12 deep, but the other teams vying for the Eastern crown got stronger and deeper, while the Cavs just got a little older.

The NBA Odds are against Ben Gordon helping the Pistons advance in the playoffs. The guy has some explosive offensive moves, but he’s a horrible defender and too wild. Take it from a Bulls fan, you’re excited and terrified every time you see him spot up, usually off-balance. If anything, this is a step away from the defensive-oriented, team ball the Pistons lived on a few years ago.

Blake Griffin will not be a Clippers savior. That’s not to say he won’t be rookie of the year, but he could grab that with 14ppg and 6 rebounds. It’s a weak crop this year folks…and maybe there is a Chris Paul hiding in there somewhere, but we won’t look back on this group like they’re the 1994-1995 class.

The Bulls 72-10 record is in jeopardy. And you don’t know how much it pains me to say that. But when you look at just the Artest addition to the Lakers, it adds depth, options, and an incredible defensive tandem not seen since Michael and Scottie. You’d have to have a serious fix going for the Lakers to lose the championship this year, and we know that never happens in the NBA.