The 2014 NBA preseason is set to begin on Oct. 4 with the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Miami Heat.

The Heat have won the last four Eastern Conference titles, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are the favorites this season. Of course, only eight teams will make the postseason, so we have chosen to rank the best playoff teams heading into this upcoming season.

With the preseason coming up, here are the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

There's no doubt who the heavy favorites in the Eastern Conference are. The Cavaliers had by far the best offseason of any team picking up LeBron James and Kevin Love. James has successfully made it to the last four NBA Finals, and he would love nothing more than delivering a title to the city of Cleveland, their first since 1964.

In a weak conference, this revamped Cavaliers squad should dominate all season.

2. Miami Heat

Losing the best player in the game won't be easy to recover from, but the Heat aren't done just yet. Team president Pat Riley was able to convince Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to stay. Mario Chalmers and Chris Anderson are also still with the team. Injuries and age are catching up with Wade, but their bench is good enough to win games.

3. Chicago Bulls

Picking up Pau Gasol was good, although they did lose Carlos Boozer, who was a great rebounder. Although Gasol is better, he is now 34 years old and isn't a very good scorer. Last season, the Bulls had the league's worst offense in the NBA, averaging just over 93 points per game. How much can they count on Derrick Rose, who has played just 49 regular season games over the last three seasons?

4. Indianapolis Pacers

The Pacers usually have the best defense in the NBA, but this year will be tougher than ever. Their best offensive player Paul George will be out for the entire season after fracturing his leg at the FIBA Tournament. The center and power forward combination of Roy Hibbert and David West make a great front court, but similar to the Bulls, they just don't have the offense.

Losing Lance Stephenson didn't help either.

5. Washington Wizards

It's going to be weird seeing Paul Pierce as a member of the Washington Wizards. Point guard John Wall is living up to the No. 1 overall pick, as he did make the All-Star team last season. Losing Trevor Ariza, who is a good all around player hurts, but the team did re-sign Polish-born center Marcin Gortat to a big contract. Brazilian forward Nene is also entering his fourth season with the Wizards.

6. New York Knicks

The Knicks and owner James Dolan knew they had a problem, and they had a very busy offseason. Re-signing Carmelo Anthony was obviously the biggest move, but adding Phil Jackson and Derrick Fisher shows fans that Mr. Dolan really is willing to give up some power. The triangle offense is expected to be implemented, so it will be crucial for J.R. Smith to hit his perimeter shots.

Point guard Jose Calderon could be the x-factor this season for the Knicks.

7. Charlotte Bobcats

Michael Jordan's team is no longer a laughing stock. The Bobcats made the postseason last year thanks to the fourth-best defensive squad in the entire league. Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker provide most of the spark on offense, while this team is balanced defensively. Despite increasing their wins over the last three years from seven to 21, to 43, they're still a tier two team.

8. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors surprised a lot of fans last season when they finished the season with 48 victories. Unfortunately, a first round exit to the Brooklyn Nets ensued. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan worked well together, but Rudy Gay is now with the Kings in Sacramento. Re-signing Lowry was a must and they did just that. The Raptors didn't make a big splash in free agency, but they should be able to make the playoffs in this weak Eastern Conference.

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