So the contenders this year are Celtics, OKC, Heat and Lakers right?

those 4 yes i would say they're contenders but i think you have to include the Clippers and the Spurs in there. Plus if you have a healthy Derrick Rose the Bulls are legit threats in the west too.

My early Finals prediction are the Heat and the Thunder for 2013. Heat have all the talent to get to the Finals again with the best player in the NBA plus some real studs around him. Thunder, they have the second best player in the NBA in Kevin Durant. He was good enough to win MVP last year but was runner up. Still, he could win it this year and lead the Thunder to the finals again. They have soem talent on that team too with Harden, Westbrook, and Ibaka. Even Eric Maynor who Is an excellent back up PG and picking up Perry Jones in this years draft was genius for them

my Finals winner I will say the Heat repeat and win it in 6 games over the Thunder. Too much talent on the Heat side for the Thunder to handle

I personally think the Celtics, OKC, Heat, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, 76ers, Spurs, Mavs and Knicks are all contenders. I think these are the top 10 teams in the NBA.

I think the Celtics have a big chance of winning, they'll meet the Heat in the conference finals again, and beat them in a 7 game series. OKC will beat the Lakers in a 7 game series, WCF. 76ers, and Knicks make it to the semifinals. They knock out the Nuggets and Bulls in a 7 game series. Clippers and Dallas make it to semis and lose. I forgot about the Pacers, they'll be tough to beat also.

Spurs ofcourse. But I also think the Pacers... They look better then Boston and was better last year and they also gave Miami a run for they're Money in the playoffs and they coming back a little stronger with more depth. Resigning Roy Hibbert trading Collison to Dallas for a legit back up to Hibbert in Ian Mahinmi and signing DJ Augustin to replace Collision, I also liked them signing the suprise in Gerald Green.

EDIT: Finals prediction Heat vs Thunder pt.2

Spurs in the Western Conference are the best bet besides those teams. Remember they still have a great veteran squad and is dangerous in the Playoffs.

76ers in the Eastern Conference, adding Bynum and other additions have made them a great team and can make the ECF next season.

Ya, and the bulls. D-Rose will come back in march, and if he finds his form before the playoff starts, watch out.

Clippers? forget it, this will be the last year of being relevant. CP3 will dip during free agency

Yes, Spurs also. Heat vs Lakers.

Agreed,clippers are a surprise team

my finals predictions are the celtics and lakers. This is their last chance to win it all especially with steve nash and kobe and kg and paul pierce. A great rivalry and would be great to watch.

Blazers gotta be there.. Beginning lineup is andre miller, brandon roy, nic batum, lamarcus aldridge and marcus camby.. Bench is bayless, rudy, matthews, oden, przybilla, cunningham, johnson, babbit.. Thats one stacked crew who will compete for a title easily if they may be able to all saty healthy...

Yes, but lets not forget about the Spurs and Clippers

Heat vs OKC Finals Heat win in 6