Pistons still expected to lead the Central Division

Editor's note: This is the second in a series previewing each NBA division.

This has the potential to be the NBA's strongest division, and that's saying something, since it's in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit obviously is going to be a force again; the Pistons have the depth even to withstand the loss of a starter to injury.

If Indiana stays healthy (yes, that's true of all teams, but they were hit especially hard last season) and out of trouble, they should challenge Detroit for the division lead.

The bottom three teams could finish in just about any conceivable order.

Chicago is young but building on defense, which is the way to do it.

Cleveland acquired some scoring help for LeBron James.

And if former Ute Andrew Bogut plays well enough to be a rookie-of-the-year candidate, the Bucks could be the league's most-improved team.

1. Detroit Pistons

2004-2005 RECORD: 54-28

DIVISION FINISH: First, lost to Spurs in NBA Finals

COACH: Flip Saunders, first season

TOP ROOKIES: F Jason Maxiell

KEY ADDITIONS: C/F Dale Davis, G Maurice Evans

KEY LOSSES: None

STRENGTHS: Saunders isn't Larry Brown, but he's a solid coach who didn't deserve to be Latrell Sprewell's scapegoat in Minnesota. They have a load of talented, veteran guys who so far have shown a willingness to buy into the team concept. When starters are on the court, there isn't a weak position.

CONCERNS: Will Saunders be able to get same commitment from them that Brown got? Bench will need to be better than it looks on paper.

2. Indiana Pacers

2004-2005 RECORD: 44-38

DIVISION FINISH: Third, lost to Detroit in second round

COACH: Rick Carlisle, third season

TOP ROOKIES: F Danny Granger

KEY ADDITIONS: G Sarunas Jasikevicius

KEY LOSSES: F Dale Davis, G Reggie Miller