NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Preview, 2008

When springtime nears, NBA fans have their minds on one thing: the playoffs. This year's playoffs stand to be as exciting as ever with numerous teams riding high after great regular seasons. All the stars will be in action, and fans will have plenty to look for. Here is a look at the teams that will be vying for the NBA Eastern Conference championship.

1. Boston Celtics

Expectations were high for Boston this year with the additions of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. The Celtics delivered by earning the top seed in the Eastern conference.

Star Player: Kevin Garnett. Garnett made his case for the MVP by averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds per game. He also brought leadership and intensity on a nightly basis.

Weakness: The Celtics could run into depth issues. Beyond their three star players, the Celtics are lacking. In a tight seven game series, their lack of depth could do them in.

Playoff Forecast: Contender. The Celtics are poised to make a very deep run and are legitimate championship contenders.

2. Detroit Pistons

Detroit has consistently been among the Eastern Conference's best for the last five years. This year was no different. With the same cast of characters, the Pistons got the same results.

Star Player: Chauncey Billups. Billups has earned his nickname, Mr. Big Shot, by knocking down clutch shots throughout the Pistons' recent playoff runs. He also leads the Pistons' gritty defense.

Weakness: Detroit lacks offensive firepower and may run into problems against a team that can score. Fortunately, Detroit's defense makes it difficult for teams to score in high numbers.

Playoff Forecast: Contender. Detroit is the likely candidate to play Boston for the Eastern Conference crown.

3. Orlando Magic

Orlando surprised many by racking up 50 wins this year. They are an exciting, young team led by Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson.

Star Player: Dwight Howard. Howard etched out his place as the best young big man in the game this season. He led the league in rebounding, while scoring over 20 points per game.

Weakness: Orlando is a very young team with little playoff experience which will become more and more detrimental as the playoffs roll on.

Playoff Forecast: Pretender. This young Orlando team could take a step toward their future by winning a playoff series, anything beyond that is years down the road.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland surprised everybody last year by making it to the NBA Finals. This year was a bit of a letdown as the Cavs find themselves stuck in the fourth seed.

Star Player: Lebron James. There is literally nothing that Lebron can't do on the basketball court. He is a bona-fide game changer who can will his team to a victory.

Weakness: If the Cavaliers are to make any noise this playoff season, they'll need to find an answer beyond Lebron James. They added Joe Smith, Ben Wallace, and Wally Sczczerbiak, but it won't be enough.

Playoff Forecast: Pretender. Anything can happen with Lebron James, but the Cavaliers will exit this year's playoffs much more quietly than they did last year.

5. Washington Wizards

Washington seems to be perpetually stuck in a rut. They are continually a middle of the pack team in the Eastern Conference, this year was no exception.

Star Player: Caron Butler. Butler has led the charge for the shorthanded Wizards this year. Also look for a returning Gilbert Arenas to shine in the playoffs.

Weakness: Washington has very little front court presence and is forced to play 'small ball,' a style that doesn't seem to work in the playoffs.

Playoff Forecast: Pretender. Washington simply does not have the talent necessary to make a deep playoff run.

6. Toronto Raptors

Toronto underachieved a little this season, falling short on hopes for a division title in part because of an injury to Chris Bosh.

Star Player: Chris Bosh. Bosh is one of the most exciting young players in the league. This season, he made his first All Star Game Appearance.

Weakness: The Raptors don't have a single player on their team averaging double figures in rebounds.

Playoff Forecast: Pretender. Toronto is a promising young team, but not ready for a big playoff push.

7. Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia came out of nowhere to qualify for the NBA playoffs. In his finest coaching job to date, Maurice Cheeks, has turned a group of little known players into a playoff team.

Star Player: Andre Miller. The veteran point guard has chipped in 17 points and 7 assists per game, plus immeasurable leadership on this young team.

Weakness: Although young and promising, the 76ers will be hampered by overall skill and experience in a playoff series.

Playoff Forecast: Pretender. The 76ers will be overmatched by any of the higher seeds in the Eastern Conference.

8. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks qualify for the Eastern Conference playoffs by default. They enter with a sub-500 record. Despite that, Atlanta has made major strides this year and their fans should enjoy this playoff appearance (and they'd better because it will be quick).

Star Player: Joe Johnson. Although he doesn't shoot at a high percentage, Johnson puts in 22 points a game for the Hawks and is their go-to-guy in clutch situations.

Weakness: The Hawks bring very little playoff experience to the table. The addition of Mike Bibby adds a little bit of experience, but not enough.

Playoff Forecast: Pretender. The Hawks are still light years away from competing for the NBA championship. Any advancement by Atlanta would be a monumental upset.