[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="342" caption="Anyone else think the Eastern Conference trophy looks better than the O'Brien trophy?"]
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Barring a season ending injury to either Paul Pierce, KG or Ray Allen - I find it highly probable the Celtics will repeat as Eastern Conference Champions. With a rookie head coach (Michael Curry) and virtually the same roster (unless you count Kwame Brown), the Pistons won't pose much of a challenge. Hoopsworld Jess Camerato agrees with me. Here's her top 10 teams in the East:
- Boston
- Cleveland
- Detroit
- Philly
- Toronto
- Orlando
- Washington
- Indiana
- Atlanta
- Miami
She's taking heat for picking Cleveland second, but I really can't argue. I realize Elton Brand is a beast, but Philly is already the most overrated team in the conference. Until Dwight Howard learns to dominate in crunch time (the man needs a signature, go-to move), Orlando won't reach that next level. In the end, I don't see much difference between the 2-6 teams. Indiana is a stretch at 8....I expect Miami to challenge for the playoffs. And Atlanta could be worse off, especially if they don't match the $58 million contract Josh Smith just signed with Memphis.