TheSpread.com

Having Fun, Playing Well

The Boston Celtics are having fun, and they don't expect that to change any time soon.

With their marquee trio leading the way, the Celtics look to open with four straight wins for the first time in 20 seasons when they host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

Not The Same Rivalry

Though they lost to Detroit in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, the Chicago Bulls thought they were just a step away from overtaking the Pistons as the Central Division's most dominant team.

That hasn't been the case one week into the 2007-08 season.

The unbeaten Pistons (3-0) and the winless Bulls (0-4) meet for the first time since last season's playoffs on Thursday night at the United Center.

Misleading Success

The Washington Wizards limped into the 2007 NBA playoffs without injured stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, and were promptly swept in the first round. Arenas and Butler are now healthy, but three games into the 2007-08 season the Wizards have yet to win a game.

Washington shoots for its first win since last regular season Thursday night when it visits the New Jersey Nets.

Still Seeking Victory

The Hornets franchise wasn't even in existence the last time the Portland Trail Blazers lost their first four games. New Orleans, meanwhile, has won its first four for the second consecutive year.

The Hornets look to continue their hot start Wednesday night when they face the winless Trail Blazers in the season's first game at the Rose Garden.

Emerging Threat

In just his third season, Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams has become one of the league's emerging stars.

Williams looks to continue his outstanding play Wednesday night when the Jazz host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.