Si Forecast

EAST

1. Detroit
The defending champs have three banged-up starters, but later in the season they'll likely be the ones bringing the pain.

2. CONNECTICUT
Asjha Jones has emerged as a star, leading the team last year in scoring (17.0) and rebounding (6.1).

3. INDIANA
Acquisition of 39-year-old, seven-time All-Star Yolanda Griffith will help Katie Douglas and Tamika Catchings battle in the East.

4. NEW YORK
Anne Donovan, who coached Team USA to Olympic gold in '08, joins the staff to help tutor rookie center Kia Vaughn.

5. ATLANTA
The Dream gets needed frontcourt help from top dispersal pick Sancho Lyttle, rookie Angel McCoughtry and Holdsclaw.

6. CHICAGO
The return of center Sylvia Fowles (2.12 blocks a game) from a left knee sprain will be a boon for the defense.

7. WASHINGTON
The trade for a trio of former Dookies (Monique Currie, Alana Beard and Lindsey Harding) could make magic for the Mystics.

WEST

1. LOS ANGELES
Candace Parker, the '08 MVP, will miss about a month after giving birth, but by adding veteran guard Betty Lennox (17.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and rookie Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (Purdue), Lisa Leslie & Co. will stay at the top.