Central Division Predictions

Eastern Conference: Atlantic Division Preview
The Central Division has become much stronger after this summer. I agree with craigeoke that it isn't as strong as the Southwest, but, from top to bottom, has solid teams.
These are listed in the order I think they will finish.

1. Indiana Pacers
What They've Done: Signed the hot shooting Lithuanian Jasikevicius, got a draft steal with Granger, Miller retired
Questions: Will they amnestize Austin Croshere? How will Artest deal with being asked 5 million times about the fight? Will Bender's potential ever come to fruition?
Where They'll Rank: I have them first in a close battle with Detroit. I can't say exactly why I think they'll do better. But they are deep at every position, have an excellent coach, and are hungry.

2. Detroit Pistons
What They've Done: Drafted Maxiel (who played well in Summer League), replaced Larry Brown with Flip Saunders
Questions: Can they do as well without Brown? Can Rasheed keep it together? Will Darko produce?
Where They'll Rank: I'm dropping Detroit to second in the division, and I would even if Brown was staying. I think Flip will do a great job. They are a very good team and will be particularly dangerous in the playoffs, but I do see a small drop-off coming. I also have a bad feeling that Rasheed won't be able to maintain his decent (for him) behavior and might return to his incessant complaining, towel-at-teammate throwing, referee stalking ways.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers
What They've Done: Resigned the Big Z, signed Larry Hughes, signed Donyell Marshall
Questions: Will they pick up another point guard (Jaric? Damon Stoudamire?) How will Mike Brown do as coach? Will Hughes and Lebron mesh well? Are they going to trade Drew Gooden?
Where They'll Rank: Great off-season for the Cavs. I don't think they're are contenders for the finals just yet, but they are close. For the Eastern Conference, I'd rank them just below the Net, Pacers, Pistons, and Miami. It will be very exciting to see how this team performs. They might have spent a bit too much money resigning Hughes and Z, but they've still managed to save moolah for some smaller moves. I really like the Donyell Marshall signing, his outside shooting will be a nice compliment to Hughes and Lebron's slashes. I also think Damon would be a great fit coming off the bench for them. He's got his limitations, but he's a gamer with lots of play-off experience who can just go off some nights.

4. Chicago Bulls
What They've Done: Not a whole lot. But they will probably resign Duhon and Chandler.
Questions: Will they resign Eddy Curry? Will they sign and trade Eddy Curry for Harrington? Will the players burn out on Skiles?
Where They'll Rank: I have the Bulls dropping from second to fourth in the Central, and a lot of this has to do with Artest returning and the Cavs reloading. But I also predict a Sophomore slump for this surprising (last year) fourth seed, and think they could even miss the playoffs. The East, overall, looks a lot stronger and these Bulls might not be able to play out of their ass for another year. Also, Curry is a big question mark. Kind of a damned if you, damned if you don't decision. How often do you let young centers with post moves walk away? But he's just got so many question marks: his attitude, his weight, his (lack of) rebounding, his (missing) defense, and, now, his heart. Trouble just always seems to follow him around, but he will definitely be missed if he leaves.

5. Milwaukee Bucks
What They've Done: Drafted Bogut, resigned Redd, signed Simmons, TJ Ford returns
Questions: Can Bogut have an impact? Can Ford stay healthy? Can Stotts erase his Hawk's performance?
Where They'll Rank: If everything goes right, the Bucks could make the playoffs. And Bogut does look fairly polished, (before Atlanta) Stotts was considered the best assistant not to have a head job, TJ Ford was electrifying his first season, and Simmon did all the little things last year. But most likely, at least one of the above situations will not happen and Milwaukee will be lottery-bound. There are some questions about Bogut. So far this summer he was mouthy about his skills before the draft, insulted all the (incredible) Aussie b-ball players before him, and got kicked out of summer league game. But still, they made some nice solid moves that have them going in the right direction.