Detroit only wishes the cars it makes were as consistent and reliable as its basketball team. Every year, it seems, the Pistons win 55-plus games and make it to the Eastern Conference finals.

Then again, just as even the best Chevy, Dodge or Ford trucks start to get old and wear out, the Pistons are showing some signs of aging. Some are suggesting that LeBron James' Cavaliers are now the team to beat in the Central Division.

Don't bet on it. Under new coach Michael Curry, the All-Star quartet of Chauncey Billups, Richard "Rip" Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace still have enough tread on their tires to be the team to beat in the conference and one of the best teams in the league.

The Cavs are also a contender — especially come playoff time. After that, however, the Central doesn't have much to offer.

Here's a team-by-team look in predicted order of finish:

DETROIT PISTONS

Last season: 59-23, lost to Boston in the conference finals

Top player: Chauncey Billups. The veteran point guard is still one of the best around. He averaged 17 points and just less than seven assists per game last season.

Supporting cast: The Pistons are loaded with good all-around players in Rip Hamilton (17.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.3 rpg), Tayshaun Prince (13.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.3 apg) and Rasheed Wallace (12.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg). Combo guard Rodney Stuckey means the Pistons don't lose much when Billups or Hamilton need a break. Underachieving center Kwame Brown has been added, and he will try to turn his career around.

Bottom line: This is a team that expects championships, which is why Joe Dumars fired Flip Saunders despite 59 wins and another final-four finish in the league. New coach Michael Curry inherits a strong team, but also huge expectations. It's NBA finals or bust for this crew.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Last season: 45-37, lost to Boston in the second round

Top player: LeBron James. Perhaps the best all-around player in the world, he averaged 30 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season.