East will be dominated by Miami Thrice

EASTERN CONFERENCE STORYLINES

1. IT COULD BE RECORD-BREAKING DOMINANCE BY MIAMI THRICE:

The NBA hasn't seen this much all-star talent -- in its prime -- in one lineup since Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor teamed up on the Lakers. That team didn't immediately produce championships and this one might not either. But considering how much mediocrity still exists in the East, the Heat have a very good chance to challenge the Bulls' record of 72 wins. Yes, we said it.

2. WHY JOHN WALL WON'T WIN ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:

John Wall is a dynamo who will cause a lot of neck strains in the league this season as he blows by defenders and explodes to the basket. Defenses will play him to shoot jumpers, much like teams defend Derrick Rose, but he should still be an effective player. The issue is not as much what he doesn't do, but what redshirt rookie Blake Griffin does for the Clippers. Griffin, who missed all of last season with an injury, is considered a rookie this season and has been a force in the preseason.

3. KNICKS-NETS RIVALRY WILL INVOLVE BATTLE FOR CARMELO:

New Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov threw the first punch when he declared his ambition to "turn Knicks fans into Nets fans" and then went with a billboard of himself and minority partner Jay-Z looming over the Garden on 34th and Eighth. The two franchises lost out on LeBron James, but now both have their sites set on trading for Carmelo Anthony, who is likely to be traded during the season and almost certainly by the February trade deadline. The Knicks and Nets have never really had a true rivalry on the court, but the battle for Carmelo could ratchet up the animosity between them.

FIVE ON FIVE

Five best players

1. LeBron James, Heat - Reigning two-time MVP just upgraded his office.

2. Dwight Howard, Magic - Looked even more dominant this preseason.

3. Dwyane Wade, Heat - How can he not be better with James as a wingman?

4. Derrick Rose, Bulls - Dynamic scorer should be ready for superstar level.

5. Amar'e Stoudemire, Knicks - Explosive finisher will get countless opportunities.

Five underrated players

1. Kirk Hinrich, Wizards - Reliable, tough guard like having a coach on the court.

2. Andrew Bogut, Bucks - Excellent big man coming off all-star caliber season.

3. Stephen Jackson, Bobcats - When his head is right, he controls the game.

4. Al Horford, Hawks - Physical rebounder, unselfish teammate who could do more if asked.

5. Brook Lopez, Nets - Polished post-game; can score at will and draw fouls.

Five players ready for a break out

1. Darren Collison, Pacers - Actually had a breakout as a rookie, but should build on it in Indiana.

2. Jeff Teague, Hawks - A matter of time before he takes over starting role from Mike Bibby.

3. JaVale McGee, Wizards - Won't give much on offense, but shot-blocking skills can have huge impact.

4. Danilo Gallinari, Knicks - Has no choice but to step into No. 2 scoring role and put up big numbers.

5. Linas Kleiza, Raptors - Back in the NBA after a year in Europe, primary role means plenty of shots.

Five rookies to watch

1. John Wall, Wizards - No. 1 overall pick will be Rookie of the Year candidate.

2. Timofey Mozgov, Knicks - Russian secret emerged into starting center role.

3. Derrick Favors, Nets - Dangled as Carmelo bait, so will be showcased early.

4. Jordan Crawford, Hawks - Scored big in preseason, but vets could limit minutes.

5. Greg Monroe, Pistons - Injuries could open up significant minutes for him.

Five players who could be traded

1. Gilbert Arenas, Wizards - Wiz want to move forward with Wall, dump contract.

2. Jamal Crawford, Hawks - Looking for contract extension; Hawks can't afford it.

3. Joe Smith, Nets - Quality veteran who is better served on contender.

4. Andre Iguodala, 76ers - With rebuilding underway, best to dump his big contract.

5. Elton Brand, 76ers - See above.

POWER RANKINGS

1. Miami Heat - Hamstring injuries to Wade and LeBron quelled the preseason anticipation, but both should be ready for opening night. Even at less than 100 percent, they're overwhelming.

2. Orlando Magic - Destroyed teams through preseason as Dwight Howard looks dominating again. Goal is obviously to get off to a strong start to keep pace with Heat in Southeast Division.

3. Boston Celtics - Old bones gearing up for one final run, with the young legs of Rajon Rondo now leading the way and timeless Ray Allen still running through screens.

4. Chicago Bulls - Carlos Boozer injury is troublesome, but plenty of talent, led by Derrick Rose, to win Central. All eyes on career assistant Tom Thibodeau in his first head position.

5. Milwaukee Bucks - Loaded with players who can score, but who will facilitate? With Luke Ridnour gone, challenge is for Brandon Jennings to become more of a playmaker at the point.

6. Atlanta Hawks - Still a playoff-caliber team, but shine starting to fade from this group and Joe Johnson's max contract will make it difficult for Hawks to keep roster intact.

7. Charlotte Bobcats - Extremely athletic lineup, but lacking a true point guard and a post-up center, two important ingredients in Larry Brown's philosophy. Expect trade rumors to surface.

8. New York Knicks - When they've clicked in preseason, they've looked strong; must be much more consistent, and must improve woeful shooting, if this is going to be a playoff team.