INDIANA +7 at NEW JERSEY
These two teams played tough in last years playoffs, with Pacers keeping up with Nets most of the way. I'm not convinced Nets are the East's "elite" team yet. This group played over their talent level last season (much like Sixers the year before) and will now have to lay extra points as the public stil thinks this is the second-ranked team in the NBA (they're actually about 7th or 8th best since all the top teams are in the West). Nets will be in the uncharacteristic role as a TARGET now for many of the East's rivals -- which is completely different from their surprise run last season. Indiana came on strong at the end of last season and will go into NJ with an attitude they can win. Should be a close game. I'll take the points.
ND
These two teams played tough in last years playoffs, with Pacers keeping up with Nets most of the way. I'm not convinced Nets are the East's "elite" team yet. This group played over their talent level last season (much like Sixers the year before) and will now have to lay extra points as the public stil thinks this is the second-ranked team in the NBA (they're actually about 7th or 8th best since all the top teams are in the West). Nets will be in the uncharacteristic role as a TARGET now for many of the East's rivals -- which is completely different from their surprise run last season. Indiana came on strong at the end of last season and will go into NJ with an attitude they can win. Should be a close game. I'll take the points.
ND
