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ORLANDO MAGIC

Coach: Stan Van Gundy
Projected Starting Five:
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Vince Carter
SF: Rashard Lewis
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Dwight Howard

Key Additions: Vince Carter, Jason Williams, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson
Key Losses: Hedo Turkoglu, Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, Tony Battie

There's nothing broken with the Magic team that made it to the NBA Finals last year. But it did need some fixing, especially big guards who can at least contain the Kobes and LeBrons in the league. So they replaced Turkoglu, their go-to-guy in the clutch last season, and traded for Carter. On paper, it looks like a steal as it upgraded its backcourt by adding height, experience, and firepower. Carter has all the mind-blowing weapons in his arsenal needed to take over a ball game efficiently whenever needed. But there's always the nagging question of motivation when it comes to his Vinsanity.

Signing former Dallas Maverick Bass will help Howard defend down low, but he can also spread the floor with his perimeter shooting. With two new starters to learn the system of coach Van Gundy (and Lewis being suspended for the first 10 games), the Magic are in for some early rough sailing. But if Howard can hit at least 60 percent of his free throws and Nelson stays healthy, the defending east champs are poised to return to the Finals.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Coach: Flip Saunders
Projected Starting Five:
PG: Gilbert Arenas
SG: Mike Miller
SF: Caron Butler
PF: Antawn Jamison
C: Brendan Haywood

Key Additions: Mike Miller, Randy Foye, Fabricio Oberto
Key Losses: Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, Oleksiy Pecherov

You know what they say when you hit rock-bottom, there's nowhere to go but up? The Wizards look to fulfill that this year with a healthy Arenas returning to deadly form. Two potent additions in lights-out shooter Miller and crafty scorer Foye can only cause defensive nightmare for opposing teams. Haywood's also looking rejuvenated enough to anchor the post.

The bench is filled with young athletic guys who are ready to wreak havoc—led by Nick Young and Andray Blatche. Washington's a merry mix of vets and upstarts playing with chips on their shoulders. And don't forget they have an offensive whiz for a coach with a very underrated yet solid defensive schemes.

There's plenty to love about this team and higher playoff seeds are reachable. That only is if the shoulder injury Jamison suffered in the preseason doesn't blow up. Attitude adjustment will also be key. No more yapping about LBJ being overrated. Just win.