NBA Articles

Release of NBA Schedule Nets Predictions

Author: Chris Licata

Article:
Vernon, Conn. - Aug. 2, 2006 -- Tuesday afternoon the NBA
released its 2006-2007 regular season schedule, and with it a
barrage of predictions on who the team to beat will be this
season. While many organizations beefed up during the
off-season, 2006 may still be dominated by a handful of repeat
performances.

Though it may seem foolishly premature, it's never to early to
start looking ahead and making some bold predictions for this
upcoming season.

Eastern Conference - Atlantic Division

Last year the New Jersey Nets put it all together at just the
right time to streak towards a division title in the final
months. This season the Nets will return studs Jason Kidd, Vince
Carter and Richard Jefferson, adding UConn rookies Marcus
Williams and Josh Boone.

While Boone likely won't have that big of an effect this season,
the addition of Williams gives the Nets a truly potent point
guard for 48 minutes a game. The only test for the Nets in this
division will be the Philadelphia 76ers, but their playing with
the prospect of losing Allen Iverson to a trade at any given
moment can't make for solid team chemistry. Prediction: Nets

Central Division

The Central could quickly turn into the most exciting and
competitive division in all of the NBA. While the Pistons were
an early favorite to continue their dominance, the Bulls signed
top defensive player Ben Wallace out from under their noses.
Combined with the Tyson Chandler trade and the drafting of Tyrus
Thomas, the Bulls could be poised to finally return to
Jordan-era success.

However, don't sleep on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers
- with the signing of Drew Gooden and veteran Alan Henderson
they could be a force as well. In a division that saw every one
of it's members make the playoffs last season, this one is a
toss up. Prediction: Bulls

Southeast Division

Expect the reigning NBA Champion Miami Heat not to sit back and
relax following their title run. Believe it or not last season
may have only been the tip of the talent iceberg that is the
Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal tandem. The two will only get
better as Wade begins to adjust into his role as the last second
go-to-guy and Shaq realizes he doesn't have to score every
basket. Don't expect much resistance from the rest of this
division. Prediction: Heat

Western Conference - Northwest Division

While on paper the Nuggets should be able to repeat as division
champions this year, it could be a pair of rookies that raise
the most eyebrows. Seattle's drafting of Washington Husky senior
Brandon Roy was possibly the smartest pick in this summer's NBA
draft. Roy is an experienced and well-rounded point guard who is
playing in his own backyard. If he can step up his game to the
NBA level quickly, the Sonics may turn a few heads early on. For
the Timberwolves, Villanova guard Randy Foye gives the squad a
much-needed outside weapon that may be the final piece to the
Minnesota puzzle. Prediction: Supersonics

Pacific Division

Steven Nash and the Suns have got to be the early favorite to
repeat as division champions. A healthy Amare Stoudemire only
adds power to a team that won the division last year by seven
games. However, the main reason that the Suns will repeat as
division champions is that nobody else in the division is ready
to take the next step and rise to the top. The Clippers had a
breakthrough season last year, but didn't do enough during the
off-season to catch Phoenix. Prediction: Suns

Southwest Division

Get ready Dallas fans, this is the year that you finally become
the top team in the Lone Star State. The Mav's were so close to
an NBA title last year they could taste it, and without the
misfortune of some questionable officiating, could have hoisted
the trophy. With Jason Terry resigned and all the big names
returning and the drafting of Michigan State standout Maurice
Ager, Dallas should be poised to leave the Spurs and company in
their dust. Memphis is solid, but very young, and the Hornets
are only as good as Chris Paul can make them. Prediction:
Mavericks

About the author:
Chris Licata is a reporter for TicketNews.com. Ticket News aims
to help give consumers choices by offering valuable information
on the secondary ticket market. Visit the site to find the
latest in concert information, tour rumors, weekly top concert,
venue and theater event rankings, industry events and more.

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