The NBA Eastern Conference is home to two 800-pound gorillas that are attracting the most attention in the preseason: The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. Ironically enough these teams are largely gaining press for Lebron James. Will James be able to lead his Cavaliers to a championship? Are the Heat going to be able to overcome such a huge hole in their franchise now that James is gone?

Even though these are big questions to ask, it is also important to note whether the Heat and Cavaliers are in fact the teams to beat in this conference or if everyone is letting the other quality teams go unnoticed.

Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn is in an uncertain situation as the Celtics. Paul Pierce and Shaun Livingston are both gone and with Deron Williams and Kevin Garnett on more of a decline, nothing is certain for the Nets. That said, the team isn't doomed for failure, it's just not certain if Brook Lopez and Deron Williams will be able to move past their chronic injuries and turn in great performances.

Chicago Bulls

This is a team that largely needs a healthy Derrick Rose to make a strong go of it. Rose looked positively out of sorts in the FIBA World Cup, taking a back seat to other players in Team USA's road to a championship. The good news is that he is healthy and with new player Pau Gasol also in the line-up, there is a lot to be excited for in Chicago. If they could manage to win 48 games last season without Rose, they might be able to give the two main teams in this conference a run for their money.

Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte may very be the dark horse of not only the East, but the entire NBA. Now with Lance Stephenson and Marvin Williams in the lineup, there is some very strong talent on this team. They managed to win 43 games last season and will be looking to build on that momentum in 2014. Stephenson has a lot to prove as a man on the wing, but Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker give the Hornets enough dynamism to be true contenders in the upcoming season regardless.

Milwaukee Bucks

While we're on the subject of talent, the Bucks have to be acknowledged. They have a great front five led by Larry Sanders not to mention some pretty solid depth on the bench including Zaza Pachilia. It might be too soon to call them a threat to Miami and Cleveland (especially if Sanders turns in a performance similar to the one last season), but they can definitely make a name for themselves if nothing else.

New York Knicks

Finally, this is a team that is truly unexpected. Head Coach Derek Fisher and basketball operations President Phil Jackson must have some sort of plan and it all starts with Carmelo Anthony. The perimeter play includes such players as Tim Hardaway Jr. and J.R. Smith but it remains to be seen if the defense can make the plays that matter once the game starts.

What do you think? Do these teams have enough ability to turn attention away from the Heat and Cavaliers?