2012-2013 NBA Division Preview: Central Division

When the reigning MVP Derrick Rose tore his ACL against the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs last year, it drastically changed the landscape of the NBA. Really, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Bulls, a team tasked with fighting off the Indiana Pacers for division supremacy. The Pacers, who once held a 2-1 lead on the eventual champion Miami Heat, are loaded with talent and appear ready to take that next step.

Aside from the Pacers, the Detroit Pistons are a team looking to take advantage of a sure down-year for the Bulls. Despite missing the playoffs, the Pistons finished the season strong as the young core started to mesh nicely.

The Cavaliers have their star of the future in Kyrie Irving but the challenge for Byron Scott lies in finding a strong supporting crew for Irving to work with. Other than Daniel Gibson, there is a huge drop-off in talent, which is why I see another sub-.500 year in store for the struggling Cavs.

A team to watch out for is the Milwaukee Bucks. They had some relatively strong off-season pickups, most notably Monta Ellis, which should make this team an entertaining watch. In the past, the Bucks have been offensively challenged but a Jennings/Ellis backcourt could change that this year.

Division Standings Predictions:

1. Indiana Pacers (48-34)
2. Chicago Bulls (46-36)
3. Milwaukee Bucks (41-41)
4.  Detroit Pistons (38-44)
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (28-54)

Next Page: Indiana Pacers

You May Also Like

Mitch Kupchak Contacts Pau Gasol Following Written Statement

Following Kobe Bryant’s initial comments on Sunday and Mitch Kupchak’s response statement…

Mitch Kupchak: Lakers Coaches, Players Told ‘To Win As Many Games Possible’

The Los Angeles Lakers are in unfamiliar territory with the franchise expected…

Frank Vogel Believes Lakers Played With ‘Great Intensity’ In Game 1 Loss To Suns, Remains Confident Moving Forward

The Los Angeles Lakers looked nothing like the team that their fans…

Lakers Rumors: L.A. ‘Pretty Confident’ They Will Land Paul George In 2018 Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Indiana Pacers forward Paul George for a long time now as there have been…