The NBA had its dreams come true last year, when the Celtics (with a large assist going to Minnesota GM — and Boston boss Danny Ainge pal — Kevin McHale) and the Lakers squared off for the world title. The league was able to contrast the old and the new, mixing in footage of Magic and Bird, Wilt and Russ and Cousy and West with the updated battles of KG and Kobe. In the world of sports marketing, it was the perfect storm.

There may be a similar magical scenario for the NBA this season, since both Boston and L.A. have enough talent to rule their respective conferences once again. In fact, barring any serious injuries, both remain the favorites to do just that. That may make the league happy, but some fans might tire of too much of a good thing. So, they look to the rest of the NBA for hope, and there is plenty to find. Each conference boasts a collection of contenders, quick-rising clubs and sleepers. Though the Lakers and Celtics appear ready for a repeat engagement, there are enough challengers to guarantee plenty of drama along the way. Even below the league’s top echelon, there are interesting story lines (see Knicks, New York). Another season kicks off, and here’s how things are going to go. Probably. Maybe.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The Steak: Boston’s triumvirate returns for more, and one would imagine Kevin Garnett’s wide competitive streak will not allow for complacency. KG’s leadership, however, may not make up for the losses of James Posey and P.J. Brown, key role players last year. The good news is Ainge should be able to call McHale in February to arrange for another steal, er, trade. In a conference filled with flawed teams, the Celts are still the best.

Top Round: The Cavs keep searching for the right collection of talent to put around LeBron James, and they keep falling short. New point man Mo Williams should help, thanks to his shooting, but the frontcourt remains thin. Detroit GM Joe Dumars couldn’t unload contracts or veterans during the offseason, so the Pistons return largely in tact. That isn’t so bad, since experience means a lot. The key story this year in Motown will be whether youngsters Amir Johnson and Rodney Stuckey can become front-line NBA players and help Detroit get back atop the conference. Orlando, meanwhile, has a talented nucleus but a shaky bench and the burden of trying to exceed higher expectations.

Crown Roast: The rest of the East’s playoff aggregation looks like this: Washington, particularly if Agent Zero (Gilbert Arenas) is healthy; Philadelphia, which must find a way to keep free-agent big man Elton Brand well-fed in its up-tempo style; Toronto, provided Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal can mesh inside; and Charlotte, which blossoms under new coach Larry Brown’s teaching and a commitment to defense.

Ground Chuck: That would be the rest of the conference, with the Knicks decidedly bottom round. Chicago, Indiana and Atlanta will be in playoff contention but will ultimately break down because of internal strife (Chicago), rebuilding issues (Indiana) and youth (Atlanta).

Extra! Extra! Here are five storylines worth watching in the East:

1. The Knicks will try to blend a group of bad contracts, malcontents and misfits into Mike D’Antoni’s fastbreak offense.

2. The Wizards’ big offseason investments (new contracts for Antawn Jamison and Arenas) could pay off, or they might stay a first-round playoff club.

3. A healthy Dwyane Wade tries to make Miami a contender again.

4. Larry Bird is now in charge in Indiana and trying to build a contender by himself.

5. The Nets try to survive their salary-dumping strategy in the short run, while hoping for a LeBron payoff down the road.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Steak: Had the Lakers been able to plug Andrew Bynum into the middle of their lineup last June, they may well have beaten Boston, thanks to the big man’s interior presence. Without him, L.A. was powerless against the Celts’ interior and had to rely on Pau Gasol’s Euroflopping, not the best equation for championship success. Bringing back Bynum takes pressure off Gasol and Lamar Odom to be anything other than complementary interior pieces and allows them to concentrate on scoring and distributing the ball. Add in Kobe Bryant’s MVP-quality play, and you have the best in a changing West.

Top Round: San Antonio may be getting older, and Manu Ginobili’s cranky ankle will keep him away from the court for a couple months, but this is still an excellent team built on the fundamentals of defense and strong halfcourt offense. The trouble with the Spurs last year was that they wore down in the second half of playoff games and couldn’t execute so well. Change that, and they’ll challenge the Lakers. New Orleans was a big surprise last year, but no one will be shocked if they reach the conference finals, thanks to dynamic point man Chris Paul. The rest of the cast is a little shaky, but adding Posey helps. Houston added Ron Artest to the T-Mac/Yao nucleus, and that could mean a run at the title or Armageddon. Remember that Tracy McGrady is yet to win a playoff series.

Crown Roast: Last year, the West was so packed the Warriors were left out of the playoffs despite winning 48 games. This year’s conference features some fading powers and a rising star. It’s hard to imagine Dallas and Phoenix out of the post-season, despite coaching changes and age (Suns) and the adoption of a new system (Dallas). Neither wins a first-round series, though. Expect Utah to be a one-and-done, too, but PG Deron Williams’ cranky ankle might bounce the Jazz from the playoffs all together. Meanwhile, Portland is on the way up. Just don’t get too excited yet. It’s going to take some time to get to the top.

Ground Chuck: Denver lost the only player on its team who plays defense (Marcus Camby), so trouble awaits. Golden State can’t win 48 again without Baron Davis, but the Clippers and that sorry bench can’t do it with him. Sacramento needs a frontcourt, Minnesota needs forwards, and Memphis needs everything. As for OK City, enjoy the nightlife, visiting teams, and don’t forget to guard Kevin Durant. Disregard everybody else.

Extra! Extra! Here are five storylines worth watching in the West:

1. Shaquille O’Neal plays a full(?) season with the Suns and tries to recapture past glories.

2. Greg Oden makes his debut in Portland and tries to live up to the hype.

3. New coaches in Dallas (Rick Carlisle) and Phoenix (Terry Porter) try to keep contenders from sagging too far.

4. Allen Iverson, in the last year of his contract, tries to help Denver accomplish more than a first-round exit, but he could be traded.

5. Ron Artest tries to play nice with his new friends but is always a risk to blow up.

THE PREDICTIONS:

Eastern Conference Final: Boston over Cleveland
Western Conference Final: Los Angeles over San Antonio
NBA Final: Los Angeles over Boston
MVP: Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat

GAME OF THE WEEK
New Orleans at Phoenix, Thursday, October 30, 10:30 p.m. EDT, TNT

The Hornets won’t sneak up on anybody this season, and their first visit to Phoenix is a good way to see how well they handle expectations and whether the Suns will be able to hang with the best of the West. The matchup of point guards Steve Nash and Chris Paul is a dynamite subplot.

IN THE PAINT

Credit Sixers GM Ed Stefanski with more than just signing Elton Brand. He closed out his first season in charge by revamping the team’s bench, adding sharpshooters Kareem Rush and Donyell Marshall, defensive guard Royal Ivey and big man Theo Ratliff. Rookie Marreese Speights is an exciting run-and-jump guy. Philadelphia isn’t there yet, but it’s getting closer.

Toronto made a smart move dishing T.J. Ford to Indiana. Not only did it bring Jermaine O’Neal to town, but also it opened up the point guard spot for exciting Jose Calderon.

Everybody in Portland is excited to see Oden play, but rookie guard Rudy Fernandez has the ability to become a dynamic force on the wing.

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