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The Leading Logic In Sports Handicapping |
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Central Division Preview
Recognized as the best division in the Eastern Conference, the Central figures to come down to three contending teams in 2005-06. Detroit is the two-time defending division champion, but begins life without Larry Brown this season. The architect of the 2004 NBA title holders left for the Big Apple and Flip Saunders is left the keys to a strong and talented machine. Indiana, according to most experts, has what it takes to unseat the Pistons, but will do so without warrior Reggie Miller, who retired after last season. The third expected contender is Cleveland, who added Larry Hughes as a free agent to boast an already potent starting lineup led by future MVP Lebron James. The other two Central teams might be a bit short on the talent of the frontrunners though Chicago comes off its best season in years, and Milwaukee had perhaps the best offseason of any team in the NBA.
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1. DETROIT
The loss of HC Brown could have been disastrous had Saunders not been waiting in the wings. However, Brown was legendary, Saunders still needs to earn his playoff stripes.
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2. CLEVELAND
The Hughes signing capped off a stellar offseason for the Cavaliers. With stability in place and LeBron a year wiser, this looks like the season that Cleveland takes the next step.
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3. INDIANA
Reading how a lot of experts are extremely high on this team, just don't share the same thoughts. Retired Miller was the heart and soul of Pacer basketball. Artest is none of that.
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4. MILWAUKEE
A major offseason for GM Harris and the Bucks. After struggling with rotations in '04-05, addition Simmons, returning Ford, and #1 pick Bogut give an entirely different look.
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5. CHICAGO
The status of Curry is a big "if" heading into the '05-'06 campaign. The league's biggest surprise will no longer be sneaking up on teams. Let's see how it fares with expectations.
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