Oct 28, 2008 | 2:51 PM | Off Radar Day

by: Paul Miles

Over slept and getting ready for my interview. But, Philly.com has a preview of the NBA season. Four Philly.com writers all agree that the west is the Lakers' to lose this year. Meanwhile only Bob Cooney thinks that the hometown crew can handle the Celtics and take the east.

Cooney's also the only writer that puts the Sixers over the 50 win mark and higher than the four seed in the east. Phil Jasner, who I think is the top hoops mind at Philly.com, has Chris Paul and the Hornets usurping the Lakers' #1 seed, but thinks they'll go down to Showtime in the playoffs.

I think Marreese Speights has thrown a wrench into the whole operation. He's come out of nowhere this season to be at the very least a top flight 6-man, and at best a possible rookie of the year darkhorse. Though he would have to play his balls off to beat Oden, Mayo or Beasley for the ROY honors. If Speights can bring his audition tape into the regular season, I think he brings with him another four or five wins to the Sixers. Add that to Elton Brand's value and Samuel Dalembert's value with a big man to bang inside with, and the Sixers are a deadly team this year.

If I'm an Eastern Conference team looking to upgrade my playoff spot, I don't want any part of the Sixers this season.

Labels: marreese speights, nba, philly.com, sixers

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