Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 20 October 2009 / Leave a comment

With the opening tip in the NBA just over a week away it's time to take a look at all the teams and assess their chances of winning the title. Nick Shiambouros rates the Eastern Conference representatives.

"Cleveland signed Shaquille O’Neal from Phoenix during the summer but I am not sure his presence will help this team. He is at the end of his career and can be difficult to manage. This team expects to win the championship but I am not totally convinced they have the right chemistry.

Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers came up short against the Orlando Magic last year in the Eastern Conference finals but they do have the great LeBron James for another crack at the championship. Shaquille O'Neal was signed from Phoenix during the summer but I am not sure his presence will help this team. He is at the end of his career and can be difficult to manage. This team expects to win the championship but I am not totally convinced they have the right chemistry.
Current price to win the NBA championship [4.9]

Boston Celtics
The Celtics signed Rasheed Wallace from Detroit and now have a healthy Kevin Garnett ready for the new season. This team has the perfect blend of youth and experience and I think they will be formidable in the Eastern Conference. I will be backing them for the title.
Current price [6.2]

Orlando Magic
The Magic were last year's losing finalists but many experts believed they should have beaten the Lakers. Orlando lost Hedo Turkoglu to Toronto but gained Vince Carter in the summer. This team needs a good start to the season to build momentum.
Current price [13.0]

Chicago Bulls
This is a young team that had a decent year last season. Derrick Rose had a spectacular year and is set for another good season. They have a playoff chance.
Current price [95.0]

Atlanta Hawks
This team has the potential to have a really good year. Joe Johnson is a solid scorer and Mike Bibby is an excellent three point shooter. They are a hard working team and should make the playoffs.
Current price [75.0]

Detroit Pistons
The Pistons had a disastrous year last season and now have a new coach in John Kuester. This team really needs to make an impact this season and it is up to Richard Hamilton and Tayshawn Prince to deliver. I am taking a wait and see approach.
Current price [85.0]

Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh is a little happier that he has Hedu Turkoglu to help him this season. Bosh is a free agent next year so he will want to impress prospective teams with a good season.I think they have a small chance of making the playoffs.
Current price [70.0]

Washington Wizards
Gilbert Arenas leads this team and now that he is healthy they could have a decent year. I think Washington have the talent to make it to the playoffs and could surprise.
Current price [75.0]

Miami Heat
It is really down to Dwayne Wade to lift the Heat to the post-season. Last year we marvelled at his ability to score 40 points with regularity and carry this team on his back. Wade needs help to take them to the next level .They face a tough road ahead.
Current price [70.0]

New York Knicks
This franchise has sunk to an all-time low .There are six players in the final year of their contracts and they wont be back after this season I really think they will struggle this season.
Current price [120.0]

Philadelphia 76ers
This team has talent with players like Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young in the rotation. They could surprise and have a good year.
Current price [120.0]

Indiana Pacers
The only news here is that the great Tyler Hansbrough will make his professional debut. This will not be the same as playing for his college team where he was treated like royalty. Welcome to the NBA, Tyler.
Current price [330.0]

Charlotte Bobcats
This is a very poor team with little chance of making an impact.
Current price [410.0]

New Jersey Nets
This franchise is in a complete mess and could be sold to Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov in a matter of months. The team may move to Brooklyn if all goes to plan.
Current price [410.0]

Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks were in the hunt for a playoff spot last season and could have a fair year.
Current price [310.0]

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards