Other solid teams in the East

[Alleyoopster]

The latest hoopla is about Ray going to Miami and how they are expected to win another Championship.  I am not sure that is a given.

Obviously, the Celtics made some great moves and could be better than last year if Avery Bradley comes back healthy.
 
Two other teams that vastly improved their roster for 2012-2013 season are Washington and Toronto. 

Washington started to pile on the wins at the end of last year with a coaching change and Nene being healthy.  Nene was a great acquisition...now they also have Okafur, Ariza and Beal.  They may not have a bunch all-stars, but they are young and deep.

Toronto is another team that may prove to be dangerous.  They picked up an excellent shooter in Kyle Lowry. Terrence Ross could be better than predicted. And, Jonas Valanciunas will sign after the Olympics. He might have been the number 2 pick if he were drafted this year.  I am not saying that either team will win it all, but they be will be tough teams to beat for they both added height, great offense and depth.     

[Stig]

I have to say in the east it'll still be Heat vs Celtics, the Bulls may have a chance depends on how Rose recovers.

Pacers will not be a threat if they lose Hilbert, Wizards and Raptors will be lucky to get into playoff.

[ScottHow]

To me the two wildcards in the East are New York and Chicago. If Rose recovers faster than expected they will be tough to beat. And if New York can ever figure out how to play without it just being Carmelo iso's then they could be a factor.

[slamtheking]

top teams in the East, provided relative health of the players, are Heat and C's.

Bulls aren't there without a healthy Rose which won't be next season.

NY has to show they can figure out how to mesh their collective talents.  will have to see it to believe it.

Indy -- with Hibbert -- is an outside possibility if they learned from this year's playoffs.  Without Hibbert, they're middle of the road.

Philly -- another year of development and I think they're there.  Moultrie's development this year -- to the point he can be what they hoped Brand would be --  is the key.

everyone else is in the 'pretender' heap.  Orlando, NJ and Atlanta just don't have enough to be a real factor in the East.

[T-LoDaniels]

Obviously the regular season doesn't mean much, but I think this will be the standings:
Miami
Boston
Brooklyn
New York
Indiana
Chicago
Atlanta
Washington