(By Gerry Wang)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division
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1.) New York Knicks- So far this preseason, the Knicks have looked atrocious. But I still like their chances, especially since the entire team returns intact. Plus Ewing won't be there as a distraction, since he can't possibly fathom how the Knicks' offense runs more smoothly w/o him. Camby will be in Ewing's place, and he'll have a great year.

Players to watch:

-> Latrell Sprewell- I hope Sprewell will be traded, since he's cutting into Allan Houston's playing time and shots. But damn, when Spree's on, he scores w/ the best of them........at the cost of the rest of the team.

_	-> Marcus Camby- W/ Ewing gone and Dudley injured, Camby should once again shine, as he did in last year's playoff run.
	-> Allan Houston- He's the Knicks best shooter, but he lacks the job security he needs to really flourish. Look for Houston to get even better this year.

Projected starting lineup:
PG- Chris Childs
SG- Allan Houston
C- Patrick Ewing
SF- Latrell Sprewell
PF- Marcus Camby

Key bench players:
PG- Charlie Ward
C- Chris Dudley
SF- Larry Johnson
PF- Kurt Thomas
PF- John Wallace

2.) Miami Heat- The Heat win by defense and overachieving. And they have the greatest motivator coach in Pat Riley. That's why every year they're in contention for the title. However, every year, their weakness kills them. They lack a 3rd option after Zo and Hardaway, and Mashburn hasn't proven he's that one. Maybe Sprewell can help?

Players to watch:

-> Alonzo Mourning- Zo just manhandles people. You can't get in the key w/o him trying to swat your ass. Look for him to be in consideration for MVP, since he's obviously the most valuable player on any team in the East.

-> Tim Hardaway- He's still the quickest chubby PG in the league, but I imagine next year he'll have competition from Khalid El-Amin of Connecticut.

Projected starting lineup:
PG- Tim Hardaway
SG- Voshon Lenard
C- Alonzo Mourning
SF- Jamal Mashburn
PF- P.J. Brown

Key bench players:
SG- Dan Majerle
PF- Otis Thorpe

3.) Philadelphia 76ers- The 76ers came to national attention during last year's playoffs, when they thumped Orlando and gave the Pacers all they could handle. This year they return even hungrier, and ready to lead the league in rebounds. Their frontcourt depth is their strongest asset right now.

Players to watch:

_	-> Allen Iverson- Still the quickest, most electrifying player in the NBA, Iverson should once again vie for the scoring title, but most likely won't get it. He needs to improve his shot selection, but getting to play SG is a godsend for him.
	-> Larry Hughes- He's versatile enough to play SG and SF, so his playing time should increase this year. Look for him to develop into a solid pro. I'd get him for any fantasy team. Mad hops has he.

Projected starting lineup:
PG- Eric Snow
SG- Allen Iverson
C- Matt Geiger
SF- George Lynch
PF- Theo Ratliff

Key bench players:
SG- Larry Hughes
PF- Tyrone Hill

4.) New Jersey Nets- The Nets traditionally have been beset by injuries, but this year they should surprise some people w/ their athleticism. They have a team full of slashers who should provide PG Stephon Marbury w/ plenty of assist-potential. Plus they have a little known rebounding fool named Jaime Feick.

Players to watch:

_	-> Stephon Marbury- Marbury has been tearing up the league this preseason. Look for him to average 20 points, 10 assists a game, which is phenomenal for a PG.
	-> Keith Van Horn- This white boy's from Diamond Bar. Yet, he's so pale. I coulda sworn Diamond Bar/Rowland Heights was freakin hot! Anyways, look for 20 ppg, 10 rpg from this ghostly throwback player.

-> Jayson Williams- Sucks how he's out w/ a broken leg right now, because he's one of the best rebounders in the league, and perhaps the best offensive rebounder.

Projected starting lineup:
PG- Stephon Marbury
SG- Kendall Gill
C- Jayson Williams
SF- Keith Van Horn
PF- Jaime Feick

Key bench players:
SG- Kerry Kittles
SF- Scott Burrell
C- Gheorghe Muresan

5.) Washington Wizards- The Wizards have actually gotten a lot better. They added rookie Richard Hamilton, the Final Four hero, who should be an adequate 6th man, and they also added Isaac Austin, who had an off year last year in Orlando, and then lost confidence when his role was reduced. Look for him to bounce back this year w/ a 15 ppg, 8 rpg average.

Players to watch:

_	-> Rod Strickland- He's always been a problem child, but when he brings his A-game, he's unstoppable. He led the league in assists just 2 year ago, and should be in the top 3 again this year.
_	-> Juwan Howard- He's one of the most sweet shooting SFs in the league, but unfortunately doesn't have the power low post game that's required of him.
	-> Mitch Richmond- He's probably the highest paid geezer and totally not worth the money, but never give up on his ability to get you 16 points a night and provide veteran leadership.

Projected starting lineup:
PG- Rod Strickland
SG- Mitch Richmond
C- Isaac Austin
SF- Juwan Howard
PF- Randell Jackson

Key bench players:
SG- Richard Hamilton
SF- Tracy Murray

6.) Boston Celtics- The Celtics are young and brash, but still a few years away from any playoff success. Still, they will beat some of the NBA's elite teams, yet those to some teams who dwell in the cellar. This consistency has marred Boston for years. I blame Rick Pitino's hyperactive style of coaching. It doesn't fit in the NBA, where all your players are richer than you, and get laid whenever they want.

Players to watch:

_	-> Antoine Walker- He's been a media goat, under scrutiny since the day he put on a Celtics uniform. If he improves his shot selection, he should be one of the top 5 PFs in the league.
	-> Paul Pierce- If not for an injury that slowed him down last year, Pierce just might have been the Rookie of the Year. Look for him to be Sophomore of the Year.

Projected starting lineup:
PG- Kenny Anderson
SG- Calbert Cheaney
C- Tony Battie
SF- Paul Pierce
PF- Antoine Walker

Key bench players:
PF- Danny Fortson
PG- Wayne Turner

7.) Orlando Magic- Some nights the Magic will look spectacular. Some nights they'll look like an NCAA team. New head coach Doc Rivers is a good evaluator of talent, and is a good motivator for youthful players, which Orlando is chock full of. Orlando's in a rebuilding period, so don't look for them to even get to the playoffs. They'll more likely get to the #1 pick in next year's draft.

Players to watch:

> Darrell Armstrong- He'll have to do all the leading in Orlando, but he's lost 2 of his best supporting cast members in Nick Anderson and Penny Hardaway.

-> Corey Maggette- His upside is tremendous. He's got a lot of potential to develop into a superstar, and all he needs is the right coach and right situation, where there's no pressure. Orlando is perfect.

Projected starting lineup:
PG- Darrell Armstrong
SG- Tariq Abdul-Wahad
C- Michael Doleac
SF- Matt Harpring
PF- Bo Outlaw

Key bench players:
SG- Corey Maggette
PF- Chris Gatling
PF- Ben Wallace

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