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From LeBron James' arrival at Miami Heat to the return of the man who served a 50 match suspension for bringing weapons into the locker room, here's all you need to know about the teams in the Eastern Conference...


NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE

The opening tip in the 2010/11 season is just a few days away. Below is a preview of the teams in the Eastern Conference.


Miami Heat

The great LeBron James ended months of speculation by announcing he was joining the Heat in a live show on ESPN in July. Miami moved heaven and earth to sign James along with Chris Bosh from Toronto.Team president Pat Riley orchestrated this complex trade which allowed these two players to join the great Dwyane Wade in Miami.

The Heat had to pay a hefty price to have three of the best players in the world on one team. Micheal Beasley, Jermaine O'Neal and Quentin Richardson were traded to free up salary space to make this deal happen.

The expectation level in Miami could not be higher. Every prominent analyst is predicting a championship for Miami this year but I am not totally convinced it will happen. Every great team needs the right balance and chemistry to win a title. Who knows if these three players can develop an understanding in their first season together?

Current price to win the NBA championship 2.9


Boston Celtics

The Celtics go to war with the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, who was signed from Cleveland during the summer. This is fundamentally the same team as last year with a couple of adjustments. Boston have added a little strength to their bench with the addition of DeLonte West and Jermain O'Neal.

Kevin Garnett and company look certain to make a bold to win the championship. They have the perfect combination of youth and experience and a great manager in Doc Rivers.

Current price 11.0


Orlando Magic

The Magic signed point guard Chris Duhon from New York during the summer. This was the only significant move from the Magic but it was an important one. Duhon has excellent ball distribution and is a welcome addition to this talented rotation.Orlando has all the components needed to win a championship and should have a big year.

Current price 13.0


Chicago Bulls

The Bulls failed to sign LeBron during the summer but got Carlos Boozer instead. This forward came over from the Jazz and is a welcome addition to the team. The talented Derek Rose will ensure this young team makes the playoffs at the very least.

Current price 36.0


New York Knicks

The Knicks had a dreadful season last year winning just 29 games. The best move they made during the summer was signing Amar'e Stoudemire from Phoenix. He should help this disappointing franchise with his explosive offensive skills.

Current price 85.0


Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks had a fair season last year and nearly beat Atlanta in the opening round of the playoffs. This team is built on defence, and as a result don't score a lot of points. With a little luck they should make the playoffs once again.

Current price 130.0


Atlanta Hawks

Larry Drew replaced Mike Woodson as coach during the summer. The fans are hungry for success but this team has yet to deliver. Joe Johnson was re-signed for a six year contract worth $120m which surprised me, to say the least.

Current price 150.0


Washington Wizards

Rookie John Wall was the most significant signing of the summer. This point guard will be thrust into action immediately to help this troubled franchise. Gilbert Arenas returns to the team after serving a 50 game suspension for bringing weapons in to the locker room. They have an outside chance of making the playoffs.

Current price [150]


Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers were devastated after LeBron James abandoned them for the bright lights of Miami. It has been reported that the franchise is worth $200m less after the departure of James.

The fans feel betrayed by his departure, and in truth, who could blame them? It will be a long season for the poor Cavs.

Current price 180.0

　
New Jersey Nets

New owner Mikhail Prokhorov has promised to deliver an NBA title within five years. That's is a tall order for a team that won just 12 games last season.

Current price 240.0


Detroit Pistons

This team is in complete chaos and another poor season is on the cards.

Current price 290.0


Philadelphia 76ers

New coach Doug Collins has the unenviable task of sorting out this poor team.

Current price 290.0
　

Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats made the playoffs last year but I don't think a repeat is on the cards. They lost Raymond Felton to New York during the summer.

Current price 400.0


Toronto Raptors

Losing Chris Bosh to Miami has decimated this team. It will be a miracle if they make the playoffs.

Current price 400.00


Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are set for yet another disappointing season.

Current price 460.0


By Nick Shiambouros

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