Orlando s our real opponent for all the marbles

[Jon]

I think our real opponent for all the marbles is probably the Lakers.  The Magic may be better than the Cavs (though I think that may change), but I still think the Celtics will make fairly quick work of the Magic in the playoffs (5-6 games).  I really don't think the Magic are in the C's league.  Howard is a beast, but has yet to prove to be a dominant scorer.  Perk can make him work and Sheed is going to be a nightmare for him, as he'll make him work on defense too, and totally screw up the Magic's defense, as Howard will have to stand 20 feet out or let Sheed shoot open threes. 

[j804]

Thing im wondering is how would KG or Sheed match up against Howard? prob not so good, [dang] baby where is he when we need him

Sheed is dreaded by Magic fans precisely for his ability to guard Dwight Howard as well as his ability to stretch out their defense.  Consider that Dwight's Magic were 5-22 against Sheed's Pistons, including an 0-3 sweep last season and a 1-8 playoff record.

Thats real good to know, plus about stretching out the d and brining howard to the 3 line is just nice.

When do we play the Magic? Bring um on 

[Brickowski]

Frankly I'm more afraid of the Bulls than the Magic, but after last night I'm somewhat less afraid of Chicago LOL.

[Bankshot]

Frankly I'm more afraid of the Bulls than the Magic, but after last night I'm somewhat less afraid of Chicago LOL.

Why?  The Magic have more talent, veterans and experience.  They've been as far as the finals.

[Neurotic Guy]

Nice advantage for whichever team in the East gets the #1 seed.  I'd  be glad to see Cleveland-Orlando in round 2 for the right to play games 1 and 2 of the ECF in Boston.

[JBcat]

Teams that I think are most going to challenge the C's for the title:

1. The Fakers - the have Kobe, Gasol, Artest and Odom and by the playoffs they will adjust to the big bull's eye on their back for being the champion and will also adjust to Andrew Bynum being injured or defensively inept by then. They are just the best of the rest

2. The Cleveland LeBrons - they are a ton better than their adjusted period of play getting used to each other is showing. Shaq will find his role, Delonte will return and become the PG they need, and a trade will be made that helps them out. They are still very dangerous.

3. The Dwight Howard Arms Race - Howard is a beast and if he can work on some offensive moves that don't require attempting to break the backboard, this will be a dangerous team. Why? Because I have this strange feeling that Vince Carter might fit in better than most people think.

4. The Denver Ink Shop - say what you want about this team but Anthony is starting to get that outscoring an opponent won't win him a ring. He has to become more than that and I think Chauncey Billups is rubbing off on him. With those two and a group of tremendous role players, they are deep, big, and very good. Last year was not an aberration.

5. The TD Bank South - when the rest of the players that surround Duncan decide to show up and play this year, they are going to be very, very good. I love DeJuan Blair and they stole him in the second round. He might get ROY run eventually. Parker, Ginobelli, McDyess and Duncan are too good to not be feared if all stay healthy.

6. Miami Wade County - when, not if but when, Riley can send the rotting carcass of Jermiane O'Neal out of town for someone better, they could become the team no one wants to play in the East playoffs.

TP.  Although I'll just add Jermaine O'Neal has started out of the gate with back to back 20 and 10 nights.  He looks rejuvinated and finally over injuries from the last couple years.  However overall that team doesn't have much but any team with Wade scares me a little. 

[Cman]

I wonder if NJ is kicking themselves for sending Ryan Anderson in the Carter deal (As a Cal alumnus, I am very proud!).... Anderson's ability to play outside nicely complements Dwight Howard's ability to play inside.  In any case, I still like the Cs over Orlando.  ORL is going to have a tough time without Carter (I suspect he has passed his expiration date).

[Brickowski]

Frankly I'm more afraid of the Bulls than the Magic, but after last night I'm somewhat less afraid of Chicago LOL.

Why?  The Magic have more talent, veterans and experience.  They've been as far as the finals.

They haven't been to the finals as presently constituted.

Time will tell, but I don't fear them.   

[snively]

Teams that I think are most going to challenge the C's for the title:

1. The Fakers - the have Kobe, Gasol, Artest and Odom and by the playoffs they will adjust to the big bull's eye on their back for being the champion and will also adjust to Andrew Bynum being injured or defensively inept by then. They are just the best of the rest

2. The Cleveland LeBrons - they are a ton better than their adjusted period of play getting used to each other is showing. Shaq will find his role, Delonte will return and become the PG they need, and a trade will be made that helps them out. They are still very dangerous.

3. The Dwight Howard Arms Race - Howard is a beast and if he can work on some offensive moves that don't require attempting to break the backboard, this will be a dangerous team. Why? Because I have this strange feeling that Vince Carter might fit in better than most people think.

4. The Denver Ink Shop - say what you want about this team but Anthony is starting to get that outscoring an opponent won't win him a ring. He has to become more than that and I think Chauncey Billups is rubbing off on him. With those two and a group of tremendous role players, they are deep, big, and very good. Last year was not an aberration.

5. The TD Bank South - when the rest of the players that surround Duncan decide to show up and play this year, they are going to be very, very good. I love DeJuan Blair and they stole him in the second round. He might get ROY run eventually. Parker, Ginobelli, McDyess and Duncan are too good to not be feared if all stay healthy.

6. Miami Wade County - when, not if but when, Riley can send the rotting carcass of Jermiane O'Neal out of town for someone better, they could become the team no one wants to play in the East playoffs.

TP.  Although I'll just add Jermaine O'Neal has started out of the gate with back to back 20 and 10 nights.  He looks rejuvinated and finally over injuries from the last couple years.  However overall that team doesn't have much but any team with Wade scares me a little. 

I forgot about Miami.  They could be tough this year.  Chalmers is a nice guard, Beasley's a dangerous option, Q-Rich and Haslem are passable and Daequan Cook is nice off the bench.  If Wade stays healthy and JO continues his random resurgence (keep in mind he put up 20/10s vs. the Knicks and the Pacers, teams featuring 2 of the worst defensive centers in the league in David Lee and Roy Hibbert), they could end up with near 50 wins.  Way too many question marks to take them seriously as a contender.  Chalmers and Beasley would have to make huge leaps in productivity and O'Neal would have to play like he hasn't in 4 years for the entire season.