A: As with just about each of these types of questions it comes down to whether Chris Bosh plays. With Bosh, there is no reason for a team with Bosh, Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow and Goran Dragic in the lineup to not be contending for homecourt in the first round of the playoffs. Without Bosh, it's a different story. I think it's safe to say that the Cavaliers again are the clear favorite in the East, with Boston taking a significant stride with the addition of Al Horford. Then there are the Raptors, who appear every bit as solid as last season, when they finished second to the Cavaliers both during the regular season and in the Eastern Conference finals. Beyond that, it appears to be a toss-up, with the Pacers, Knicks and Bulls offering new looks, the Wizards attempting to regain their stride, the Hawks looking to maintain their place and the Pistons seemingly on the rise. Without Bosh, it could be difficult for the Heat to crack that field. With Bosh, playoffs certainly could be a reality.