(a sorta) League Preview: The Contenders

What is the point of a preview once the action starts? So instead of running through the Contenders with in depth profiles, it comes down to this:

5. Cavaliers-LeBron makes them a contender. But can they guard the high pick and roll with Shaq Daddy and Big Z?

4. Spurs-Tim is older, as is Manu. But with Parker and a stacked supporting cast, San Antonio is capable of a Finals run.

3. Magic-Have that look of destiny. With additions of Carter, Anderson, Barnes, Williams and Bass, Orlando is swinging for the fences. Howard, Nelson and Van Gundy have the team clickin on all clinders.

2. Lakers-Defending Champs are potentially stronger with a healthy Bynum and defensive minded Artest. They need Gasol to to have a chance at repeating. Kobe and Odom are deadly efficient in the back end of their prime.

1. Boston Celtics-Gonna win it all. The additions of Wallace and Daniels augment a defensive attack that will make em all fall. KG, Sheed, Ray and Paul are all older. But the very brilliant Rajon Rondo and delightfully brutish Kendrick Perkins are young and ready. The Celtics have the depth to win without big minutes from the vets. Title 18 for the League's most storied franchise.


Links to the rest of the preview:

upsetters
playoff solids
might be somethings
lottery likelies
sorriest