Predicting the Final NBA Eastern Conference Standings for 2014-15

The Sixers have given up the 2014-15 season in order to accumulate more lottery picks. Although the debut of Nerlens Noel and the continued play if Michael Carter-Williams will be interesting to watch (once he's back), it’s still going to be a long and dreadful season in the City of Brotherly Love.

The most intriguing young team in the league, Jabari Parker should be the Rookie of the Year, but that won’t be enough to save the Bucks from another losing season. At least the future is looking brighter.

Losing Victor Oladipo for the first month of the season will put a stain on an already limited offensive attack for the Magic. Although Orlando’s future is looking bright, and could have a chance to make the playoffs, the Magic’s offensive and road woes will be too much for this young team to overcome.

Rajon Rondo shocked the NBA by playing on opening night, but conventional wisdom says that Rondo will be traded by midseason, and the Celtics will be in full rebuild mood, putting them here in the bottom third of the conference.

The Hawks have the talent to make the playoffs in the East, but the talent here is still too mismatched, and with the team having to rely heavily on Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague, I don’t see the Hawks making a surprising run to the playoffs like they did a season ago.

Other than Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks have an aging roster, and is in desperate need for young talent. The Knicks will make a run for the eight seed, but ultimately, their lack of talent will mean another year out of the postseason party.

With the talent the Pistons have, and a quality coach in Stan Van Gundy, Detroit will be a pleasant surprise in the East. But unfortunately, the team may fall short of their bid to make the playoffs.

Like the Knicks, the Nets have an aging roster in need of an influx of youth. But unlike the Knicks, Brooklyn’s aging roster has talent, and that should be enough for the team to sneak into the playoffs.

Although the Pacers' star leader, Paul George, will more than likely be out for most of the year, the Pacers still have the talent and drive to make a run at a lower seed. Look for the Pacers to be in the postseason party, and maybe, just maybe, have George back for a playoff run.

The Raptors announced last season that they have arrived, and have no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon. Led by their dynamic backcourt, and well-rounded complementary players, the Raptors should be back in the postseason this year.

The buzz is back in Charlotte, and it’s not just the name that fans should get excited about. The Hornets have one of the most complete teams in the East, and could be primed to go on a run through the playoffs this season.

With LeBron James now gone, it will be up to Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to carry on the Heat’s championship swagger, and judging from opening night, the duo is eager to meet the challenge.

With the dynamic backcourt of John Wall and Michael Beasley, plus a stout frontline, the Wizards will make the accent to the upper-echelon of the East, and should be a tough out in the playoffs.

With Derrick Rose back, the Bulls look to take their rightful place as one of the top teams in the East. As a bonus, the Bulls are as deep as they have ever been in the Rose era, and this could shape up to be a special year in the Windy City.

With LeBron James teaming up with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and a host of talented characters, the Cavaliers should tear through the conference and end the season at No. 1. Then we should all brace for an epic conference finals showdown between the Cavs and Bulls.