In past years the Eastern conference has lacked the depth of the West. This year however, the East is loaded at the top of the Conference and is solid all the way down. Much like last week’s prediction article I will be making predictions for each team, this time for teams in the Eastern conference. These will consist of their predicted records and team MVP.

The second part of this article will cover awards specific to the Eastern conference. These awards include MVP, rookie of the year, most improved, and sixth man among others. These predictions will be based off of performances last year and anticipated production this year. Hope you enjoy.

1. Indiana Pacers: (63-19)

Last year the Pacers were a very good team. They finished third in the East and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, nearly beating the Miami Heat. The Pacers have kept their young rosters in tacked but also added a few key pieces. One of the biggest thing the Pacers have going for them is the return of Danny Granger. Granger missed all but five games last year, but he is now healthy and ready to make an impact. The signings of Luis Scola and Chris Copeland are also huge boosts to a bench that was the Achilles heel for this team last year. Scola and Copeland provide excellent depth and will help the Pacers stay fresh.  The emergence of Paul George is another reason why this team will be so successful. George shinned in the playoffs and he nearly led his team to the Finals. With the key signings and the return of one of the Pacers best players, this is a team that can challenge the Heat in the East.

Team MVP: Paul George

George had a breakout season last year and played even better in the playoffs. Entering his fourth year there’s no reason he won’t improve. George rebounds extremely well and his talented enough to defend multiple positions. He will be the leader of this team and will need to continue to improve to lead his team to the top of the East.

2. Miami Heat: (62-20)

Putting the back to back Finals champions in second is a hard thing to do. And the drop is through no fault of their own. The teams around them are simply getting better. The Heat still have the big three, and that alone is enough to make this team one of the best in the NBA. However I believe a few things will happen to set the Heat back. If the playoffs are any indication, age is starting to take a toll on Dwayne Wade. Wade struggled with injuries throughout the season and especially in the playoffs. In some games he was even a non-factor. Now I’m not saying that Wade’s career is over, or he won’t still play at a high level. Wade’s style of play is one that relies on explosiveness and strength, and if his knees are failing, then he might become ineffective. In the playoffs and the finals the Heat relied on players not in the big three to have big games. The Heat will need more consistent play from their roles players with they hope to consistently compete. But the Heat still have one player that makes all these problems ok. That player is LeBron James, and when you have him on your side you’ll win a whole lot of games.

Team MVP: LeBron James

Big surprise right? James is the best player in the world and one of the top players to ever play the game. Last year he led his team in scoring, assists and rebounding. He is the core of the big three and the undisputed leader of this team. He will continue to dominate and carry his team to the playoffs.

3. Chicago Bulls: (59-23)

Last year the Bulls finished fifth in the East and played extremely hard in the playoffs. They did all this without their best player and the former MVP Derrick Rose. After sitting out an entire season, Rose is looking like his former self. He is healthy and back to his MVP form. This team is extremely well coached and is exceptional defensively. With Joakim Noah roaming the paint and Luol Deng’s consistent play this is a team that is ready to make a push for the top of the East. Third year shooting guard Jimmy Butler will need to step up big this season. If he can fill the role of starting shooting guard, this is a team that will be competitive each and every night.

Team MVP: Derrick Rose

When healthy, Rose is one of the best players in the NBA. The offense revolves around him, either as a scorer or distributor. I believe that he will return to his MVP form and could very easily compete for the MVP award.

4. Brooklyn Nets: (58-24)

The Nets made one of the biggest moves this offseason when they traded for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry. This trade immediately made them one of the top teams in the East. While this team is filled with talent, I believe they will struggle with some chemistry issues. Remember when the Lakers traded for Steve Nash and signed Dwight Howard last year? Everyone was projecting them as favorites to win it all but that didn’t quite happen. The Nets also have a rookie coach in Jason Kidd. Kidd’s ability to command the locker room will be vital. This is a team loaded with experience and talent, it all depends how quickly this team can form chemistry and if they can stay healthy.

Team MVP: Deron Williams

It wasn’t long ago when Williams was averaging a double-double. Williams is one of the better point guards in the NBA and with as much talent that he has around him he has no excuse to not succeed. Last year Williams struggled with injuries and developing chemistry with his teammates. If Williams can stay healthy and figure out a way to distribute the ball to all his talented teammates, he could become one of the league’s best point guards.

5. New York Knicks: (55-27)

The Knicks managed to keep their roster most intact. This is a very talented roster that is solid at every position. Carmelo Anthony will continue to be the driving force behind this team. The reigning scoring champion is the key to this team’s success. This team will have no problem winning games, and they will be able to compete with the best the East has to offer. The problem that has plagued New York is a lack of success in the playoffs. With everyone in the East improving, The Knicks will have to fight hard to avoid another early playoff exit.

Team MVP: Carmelo Anthony

Anthony is one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA and he is the reason the Knicks are as successful as they are. Melo get a lot of criticism for being a “ball-hog”, and while he is a score first player, he creates opportunities for his teammates by commanding the defenses attention.

6. Detroit Pistons: (51-31)

The Pistons made two big moves in the offseason. They acquired both Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings. This is a team with a lot of talent, especially in the front court. However the Pistons have two major problems. The first problem is a lack of spacing. Josh Smith is capable of playing the three but he doesn’t stretch the floor very well. His more natural position is at the power forward position. If the Piston decide to move him to the four, this would require them to bench one of their two very talented big men, possibly hurting their development. Another issue is that all of the Pistons players are most effective with the ball in their hands. The problem with this is that there’s only one ball to go around. Jennings and Smith are also infamous for taking poor shots. This is a problem that could really hurt them when they play some of the top teams in the East. This is still a team with a lot of talent and they will be one of the most improved in the NBA.

Team MVP: Josh Smith

While Smith make take to many errant shots, he is still an extremely talented player and bring a lot to the table for the Pistons. He is an explosive athlete and has great range for his size. While he is most effective in the paint, he has a decent mid-range game. Smith will need to take his game to the next level if he hopes to take the Pistons to the playoffs.

7. Atlanta Hawks: (45-37)

This offseason the Hawks lost one of their best players in Josh Smith. They made up for it by signing Paul Millsap. This signing could be one of the best moves of the offseason. The strength of this team will be in their front court where the pairing of Al Horford and Paul Millsap should be highly effective. Jeff Teague is one of the more underrated point guards in the NBA and he could be in for a big year. The Hawks will need a bigger contribution from him if they hope to compete in the East. The Hawks are a talented team but they lack a star player. They will need Horford, Millsap, or Teague to step up and take command of this team.

Team MVP: Jeff Teague

Teague has been improving every year since entering the NBA. He will be entering his third year as a starter and he should improve from last year. He is an excellent distributor and an effective scorer. He will have plenty of talent down low to pass too. Teague will need to step up and be the star of this team and could be in for a breakout year.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: (43-39)

The Cavs are one of the leagues youngest teams. They are also loaded with potential. Kyrie Irving is the leader of this young team and he is emerging as one of the top point guards in the NBA. He has improved every year and should continue to develop into a top tier point guard. Second year shooting guard Dion Waiters will need to step up and continue to improve. First overall draft pick Anthony Bennett will play a key role either as a sixth man or starting small forward. The real success of this team depends on the frail bodies of Andrew Bynum and Anderson Varejao. These two centers are very talented but have struggled with injuries. If both or even one of these players can get and stay healthy, this team could finish much higher than eight.

Team MVP: Kyrie Irving

Irving is an explosive athlete and a phenomenal scorer. He has the rare ability to take over games and lead his team to victory. With so many talented players around him Irving will have plenty of opportunities to find the open man. This team will go as far as Irving takes them.

9. Washington Wizards (41-41)

When John Wall was injured the Wizards were one of the worst teams in the NBA. When he was healthy they were nearly .500. John Wall is the key to this team’s success and its time that he steps up and delivers. He just signed massive five year deal worth over $80 million. The Wizards have invested heavily in Wall and now it’s time for him to return the favor. The Wizards will need a major contribution from Bradley Beal. He was selected third overall in the 2012 draft and should be ready for a big year. The Wizards also have a great veteran presence inside with Nene roaming the paint. They also have two very talented players on the wing with Trevor Ariza and Otto Porter Jr.. This is a team with a lot of talent and while they may not be competitive this year, the future is very bright in Washington.

Team MVP: John Wall

The Wizards will go as far as Wall takes them. He has the potential to be one of the top point guards in the country and he has plenty of talent to carry this team. Wall is an excellent scorer but is most valuable as a distributor. The Wizards front office have done a great job surrounding him with talent and now he has no reason to not be successful.

11. Milwaukee Bucks: (38-44)

The Bucks seem to always be a fringe playoff team and this year should be no different. The Bucks have great depth and have an even brighter future. They’re one position in question is the point guard position. Luke Ridnour and Brandon Knight are both serviceable point guards but neither of them are skilled enough to elevate the Bucks. The Bucks real strength is in their front court. Larry Sanders had a great year last year and should be even better this year. Ersan Ilyasova is an underrated power forward who is capable of scoring from anywhere. He is a great rebounder and scorer and will be one of the key players for the Bucks. The Bucks are a talented team but they simply lack enough talent to compete with the top teams of the East. They could very easily be in the race for the eight seed but will fall just short.

Team MVP: Larry Sanders

Sanders will be entering his fourth season in the NBA and his first as a full time starter. Sanders had a fantastic year last season and he will be looking to build off it. He emerged as one of the league’s best shot blockers, averaging nearly 3 blocks per game. While Sanders won’t be one of the Bucks top scoring options, he will dominate defensively and on the boards. He could easily be in store for a double-double season.

12. Toronto Raptors: (36-46)

The Raptors are one of the many teams in the East that are young and improving. They have two dangerous scorers on the wing with DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay. They also have a very talented young center in Jonas Valanciunas. Valanciunas was solid last year as a rookie and he is ready to have a breakout season. The Raptors are a very well rounded team but still lack a star presence. Last year Gay struggled with consistency and he will need to become a more consistent player if the Raptors hope to compete in the East. The Raptors are just a few pieces away from being legitimate contenders and the find just find that piece in next year’s draft.

Team MVP: Jonas Valanciunas

As I mentioned above Valanciunas is a very talented center that has the potential to be one of the top centers in the East. He had a very solid rookie year and has been very impressive in summer league play and in limited preseason action. The Raptors will need him to be a presence in the paint if they wish to compete in the East. Valanciunas has all-star potential and he will be the physical force this team needs.

13. Boston Celtics: (28-54)

The Celtics decided to enter a full rebuild by letting their coach walk and trading away some of their key players. The loss of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce will hurt, but in the long run the Celtics will be better off. The Celtics could potentially have four new starters. Point guard Rajon Rondo is the only remaining player from the ’08 Championship team and will need to be a leader for this inexperienced Celtics team. Rookie Kelly Olynyk could have a major impact as it looks like he will start at center. The Celtics still have some talented players and that will prevent them from being the worst team in the East, however they simply lack the experience and talent to win many games. Rookie head coach Brad Stevens will look to turn around this Celtic team however this season could be rough.

Team MVP: Jeff Green

Jeff Green will need to carry the offensive load for the Celtics. After the all-star break Green averaged over 17 points per game so he can certainly handle to pressure. However the Celtics will need more than just scoring from Green. They will need him to be a force on defense and an improved rebounder. This year Green will have plenty of opportunities to shine and he should do just that.

14. Charlotte Bobcats: (26-56)

The Bobcats are slowly getting better. Kemba Walker is emerging as a solid point guard and should continue to improve. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeff Taylor are an athletic pair of wings that should contribute on offense and defense. The Bobcats also selected Cody Zeller fourth overall in this year’s draft. Zeller is a talented big man and should be in the running for rookie of the year. However, the major factor in the success of the Bobcats is Al Jefferson. The talented center agreed to sign with Charlotte this offseason and he will immediately be their best player. He is one of the most offensively gifted big men in the NBA and will be a leader for this young team. Al Jefferson should be in for a career year given the fact that he will be the Bobcats primary offensive weapon and their best rebounder. The Bobcats will still be cellar dwellers but they are slowly getting better.

Team MVP: Al Jefferson

Jefferson will be asked to do it all for the Bobcats and he should deliver. Jefferson is a gifted big man and he will immediately improve this team. Jefferson will be in for a great year and will his team might not win very many games, he will certainly have a productive season.

15. Orlando Magic: (25-57)

The Orlando Magic have a great young nucleus to build around. Nikola Vucevic emerged as a very good center, averaging a double-double season. Tobias Harris is also a very talented forward who really took off the second half of the season. Victor Oladipo was selected 2nd overall and looks to make an immediate impact. With all that being said, this team is still not very good. They lack experience and lack a true star player. This is one of many teams with a great young nucleus and great potential.

Team MVP: Tobias Harris

After being traded to the Magic midway through the season Harris exploded onto the scene. As a starter for the Magic, Harris averaged 17 points and eight rebounds a game. Harris will be counted on to produce consistently and he certainly looks up to the task. Harris is able to play multiple positions and is a great rebounder. There’s no reason that he won’t be able to continue to produce at such a high level.

Eastern Conference Awards

MVP: LeBron James – James is the best player in the world and is the reigning MVP. Even with the return of Derrick Rose there is no one that can truly challenge James for this award. Simply put, James is the best player in the world and is a lock to win this award

Coach of the Year: Mike Brown – After a disappointing start with the Lakers, and a very early termination, Brown is a great fit for the Cavs. He inherits a roster that is full of young talent that has underperformed. He will get these players to buy into his scheme and he will make the Cavaliers one of the most improved teams in the NBA

Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo – Oladipo is a very versatile player, capable of playing multiple positions. He will be one of the major contributors for the Magic and no matter what position he plays he will make an immediate impact.

Sixth Man of the Year: Andrei Kirilenko – Kirilenko is a very talented forward and would be starting on most NBA teams. However he will be the sixth man for an extremely talented Nets team. Kirilenko will be able to play both forward positions and it looks like he’ll see major playing time, especially considering the fact that the Nets will want to keep Garnett and Pierce fresh.

Most Improved Player: Larry Sanders – Of all the awards, this one was the hardest to decide. There are a few players that could very easily win this award. However I believe Larry Sanders has the best opportunity. Sanders is a terrific shot block and is one of the best in the league. He is also just starting to develop offensively. Sanders is also a terrific rebounder and he should only improve. He will be the primary inside presence for the Bucks and he should see plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents.

Most Improved Team: Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavaliers are bursting with potential. They are a very talented and young team and will be even better if Andrew Bynum can get healthy. This team is led by Kyrie Irving but they have talent and depth all across the roster. They could go from owning the number one pick to making the playoffs in just one year.

Most Disappointing Player: Kevin Garnett – This selection has less to do with Garnett and more to do with his team. Garnett went from being the primary offensive force in the point to the fifth option. The Nets starting five is loaded with talent and I believe Garnett’s touches will decrease. The Nets will also want to keep Garnett healthy and fresh so I expect them to lower his minutes.