The time has come for the NBA to start.  Well, almost.  Next week, the season will tip off and the grind of an 82 game season will begin.  Brian has started his Divisional analysis over at Depressed Fan and TUP has done a nice job with their Bulls preview, so I figured that I should quick slacking and get my butt in gear on my thoughts.  I actually had mapped out some things on paper, but in the end, I had a ton of scribbling and it looked like an episode of Eli Stone.  Sooooo, I'll just shoot from the hip like I normally do.

 Continue reading after the jump....

Players to watch:  Wilson Chandler, Thad Young, Rajon Rondo, Devin Harris, and Andrea Bargnani

*  Boston Celtics (60-22) - It's just too hard to go against a team with Jesus on the team.  No, not THE Jesus, just Jesus Shuttlesworth.  The sad thing about that is, he isn't even the best player on his team these days.  KG and Paul Pierce usually share that role on a nightly basis.  However, those three can not carry the team without some help.  This is where the slew of youngsters comes into play.  Rajon Rondo is running the show again and with the help of several overachievers in the frontcourt (Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, Big Baby Davis), this team becomes very dangerous, very quickly.  James Posey is gone, but look for Tony Allen to take his place as the do it all guy.  Prediction:  Celtics should take the division again.

*  Philadelphia 76ers (49-33) - I was sort of torn between Toronto and Philly, but after the 76ers acquired Elton Brand and Toronto acquired Jermaine O'Neal, I went with Philly.  Now that they have a legit beast on the blocks, this team could really start to see their full potential unfold.  With the experience of Andre Miller at the point, look for a lot of nights of double digit assists to Brand, Iggy, Thad Young, and whoever else they run out on the floor.  Apparently Brian is very high on Lou Williams and very low on Willie Green!  Prediction:  The '6ers should make a 2nd round playoff appearance.

*  Toronto Raptors (46-36) - It will be a tight race, but in the end, I see Toronto fading in the race with Philly.  I really like Jose Calderon's game combined with Chris Bosh in the post.  Former first round pick, Andrea Bargnani, should have a big year with the addition of Jermaine O'Neal.  People really want Bargnani to be a guy down low, but his Euro-style game doesn't allow for that.  Expect him to continue to play the perimeter and use his size advantage against smaller forwards. Prediction:  1st round exit from the playoffs.

*  New Jersey Nets (29-53) - I like the youth that this team is littered with, but with youth, there is inexperience.  The Nets are very much in their rebuilding phase and they are going to take their lumps.  After acquiring Devin Harris late last season and trading for Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian (EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!), the Nets only have to get rid of Vince Carter's enormous contract now.  Are there any takers?  Prediction:  Jay-Z buys full ownership and moves the team to his house.

*  New York Knicks (23-59) - I like Donnie Walsh and Mikey D, but did they really think they could fix the problems in Knickerbocker land without getting rid of some of their players?  They did bring in Chris Duhon (wow)!  I'll be interested to see the development of Wilson Chandler and also to see if David Lee gets traded this season.  Prediction:  Isaiah Thomas gets named in a paternity lawsuit along with Stephon Marbury.  The Mother:  James Dolan!