NBA title contenders: Teams to look out for

Orlando Magic v Indiana Pacers - Game Five
1. Miami Heat
2012 NBA Finals Portraits

Miami Heat

The Powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, Heat remain strong favourites heading into the 2013-14 season. The defending champs, however, enter the next season to face stiffer competition. It would be foolish to predict that they would win the title again this year, although their chances do look good.

The Heat’s race to the title was no piece of cake. They were pushed to the brink twice during the 2013 playoffs. They faced a 7 game series against Indiana and nearly lost to the San Antonio Spurs. But being the well managed team they’re, the Heat have become stronger than ever this season. Apart from Mike Miller, the Heat’s core group has returned this season.

They have additionally signed Michael Beasley and Greg Oden. This will automatically strengthen their front line and will also bolster their defense. If Chris Bosh manages to improve his game, MVP LeBron James and Wade maintain their level of play, the Heat will be very hard to beat this season.

Honorary Mention: Brooklyn Nets
Charlotte Bobcats v Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets

It was a tough choice for me to predict the no. 3 spot between Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers. The Nets have an all All-Star squad in Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez. They have everything you can think of: Depth in their bench, experienced veterans, young stars in their prime. They are coached by former veteran player, Jason Kidd. At first glance, the Nets look invincible.

However, this is not the case. Pierce and Garnett have always been the top men in Celtics. They were the bosses. In Nets, it has been Deron Williams for quite sometime. There’s bound to be a clash of egos there. Also, Pierce, KG and Jason Terry are all old. I doubt they’ll be able to keep with up the pace of Pacers, Bulls and Heat. The Nets will be a top 4 team, but have very little chance of being a legitimate title contender.

Maybe next year.

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Edited by Staff Editor