So, are the Wizards close to surpassing IP for Eastern Conference dominance?
Nope. But they've really catapulted their team up the charts.
I don't know.
Front court:
Bosh / Haywood / Splitter / Young / Vucevic
vs.
Gasol / Gortat / Hawes / Blair / Novak / Beasley / Wallace
This is a big win for Washington, not only in talent but in the way the game is played. Bosh is going to have to guard Gasol, who is going to abuse him. Washington has the clear advantage in talent, depth, and versatility, and the ability to create high-efficiency baskets is going to punish the Bulls.
Swingmen:
Wade / Pierce / Young / Parsons / Lamb / Butler
vs.
Wallace / Williams / Smith / Beasley / Novak
Talent wise, the gap here isn't as wide as the on-court results probably will. While Pierce has lost a step, he's better than Wallace, and Washington has nobody who can come close to stopping Wade.
PGs:
Holiday / Jack
vs.
Curry / Jameer
Pretty even. I'd give an edge to the Wizards, but Curry's health is up in the air.
Overall, I guess I'd give the edge to the Bulls, if only because the Wizards' wings are so bad. However, they're a smart trade away from being the favorites.