So the NBA schedule is out, and I took a quick look at it yesterday.
To me this is pretty obvious, and I kind of expect the Heat to have a slower than expected start, and don't be surprised if they are stuck at the #3 or 4 spot before the ASG. After all, like the Lakers before them, they had made it to the Finals 3 years in a row and it IS tiring! No way the Heat can or should keep the pace up and play at full speed any time before the ASG.
That said, I definitely want to see how the Bulls, Nets and Pacers perform by around the ASG this year with all the new / returning players and all. We should be able to tell, slow start or not, any of those 3 teams are good enough to knock off the Heat in the playoffs.
Knowing the Lakers ain't going anywhere this year, I think I will kind of root for the Spurs and the Pacers on a part time basis.