The Bucks should return to the NBA playoffs this season, but won't win the Central Division title or get to the Eastern Conference finals.

Coach George Karl's team should play slightly better defense and pass the ball better than it did late last season, when it collapsed and fell out of the playoff race. But, the Bucks still have too many flaws to make it to the final four teams like they did two seasons ago.

The regular season starts next Wednesday. The Bucks' home opener is Saturday, Nov. 2. Here are my divisional race predictions:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic

1. New Jersey -- The Nets surprised people last season, but will be the team others are shooting for this season. But, Jason Kidd and his teammates are good enough to win another conference title again.

2. Boston -- The Celtics have a couple of the best offensive players in the conference in Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. If Vin Baker becomes rejuvenated by his return to New England, they could give the Nets a real run for the title.

3. Orlando -- Doc Rivers might clash with George Karl at times, but he gets the Magic to play to their full potential most nights.

4. Philadelphia -- Allen Iverson remains a major talent, but a punk. Overall, the Sixers are not as strong as some of the other teams in their division.

5. Washington -- Let's see how deep Michael Jordan goes into the season this year.

6. New York -- The Knicks were embarrassed by their performance last season, but won't be much better this season.

7. Miami -- The Heat has become stone cold.

Central

1. New Orleans -- The Hornets should find New Orleans more to their liking than Charlotte. They have a solid team, if Jamal Mashburn can stay healthy.

2. Milwaukee -- The Bucks led the division for a good part of last season until their collapse. Their chemistry should be better without Glenn Robinson, but there still are some big egos on this team that don't always think first of the team.

If Tim Thomas reaches his full potential, Toni Kukoc has some basketball left, Michael Redd continues to improve and Ray Allen and Sam Cassell play together, the Bucks could end up winning the division. Don't expect them to go too deep into the playoffs, however.

3. Indiana -- The Pacers started making the transition from an old playoff team to a younger playoff team last season. They hope to continue it again this year.

4. Detroit -- Without Jerry Stackhouse, the Pistons don't have much offense. They should drop from last year's top performance.

5. Toronto --Vince Carter still can be spectacular, but he is damaged goods.

6. Atlanta -- Big Dog will score 20 or more a night for the Hawks, but also show why the Bucks felt he was expendable.

7. Cleveland -- The Cavs lost their point guard, Andre Miller, which will hurt.

8. Chicago -- The Bulls should be better, but not good enough to get out of the basement.

Western Conference

Midwest

1. Dallas -- Don Nelson has a very nice team and a crazy owner in Mark Cuban who will pay what he needs for a winner.

2. San Antonio -- The Spurs still have a fine team, but can the Admiral stay healthy?

3. Minnesota -- The Timberwolves have talent, but just can't take the next step.

4. Utah -- Nobody goes on forever, not even the Jazz's Karl Malone and John Stockton.

5. Houston -- The Rockets could propel higher with some breaks.

6. Memphis -- You can't expect much more from a team that is called the Grizzlies and moved to Memphis.

7. Denver -- The Nuggets look more like the kind you buy at Mickey Ds than those you find in the Rockies.

Pacific

1. Sacramento -- Maybe this is just wishful thinking, but this is the year the Kings move past the Lakers for the title.

2. L.A. Lakers -- The Lakers still are the defending champs, but Shaq already is having some health problems and just how hungry can they be?

3. Seattle -- Vin Baker is gone, and most of the Sonics are happy about that.

4. Portland -- The Blazers almost always manage to be competitive.

5. L.A. Clippers -- This team could surprise some people and move a couple notches higher.

6. Phoenix -- The Suns have talent, but are in a very tough division.

7. Golden State -- This team brings up the rear of the NBA teams in the golden state.

The Wave will take its record 25-game regular season home winning streak into a game at the Bradley Center Friday against the Philadelphia Kixx, the only team to beat Milwaukee at the BC in the last 31 games. The Kixx beat the Wave, 8-6, in the championship game at the BC last season. Friday's game starts at 7:05 p.m.

After traveling to Cincinnati Friday night, the Admirals host the Chicago Wolves at the BC at 7:12 p.m. Saturday.

The weekend wraps up a big week for the UWM men's soccer team, which is 10th ranked in the country. After beating Marquette earlier in the week for the Milwaukee Cup, the Panthers host UW-Green Bay in a battle for the Chancellors' Cup at 3 p.m. Friday. They also host Horizon League rival Cleveland State at noon on Sunday.

No Packers this weekend. Look for them to return to action Nov. 4, and look for On The Pack to follow on Nov. 5.