NBA Eastern Conference preview Dwight Howard is back home, boldly defying his critics, but he's a demand-the-ball guy who has no post-up game — and head coach Mike Budenholzer likes a blur of offensive movement. Al Horford is gone, and point guard Dennis Schroder will make 'em miss the departed Jeff Teague. CHARLOTTE (48-34): One look at the center position (Roy Hibbert, or possibly Cody Zeller) and it's instant gloom. [...] there will be special moments from Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who returns from shoulder surgery. Making Frank Kaminsky the ninth overall pick (2015) sounded risky at the time, and little has changed. TORONTO (56-26): Built around the dynamic DeMar DeRozan-Kyle Lowry backcourt once again, but the Raptors' streak of division titles will end at three. [...] head coach Jeff Hornacek got a tremendous break when Phil Jackson said he wouldn't have to play the triangle offense. Lin shouldn't be that vital on any team, but this could mark a career rebirth under new head coach Ken Atkinson, an assistant during "Linsanity" in New York. The mood will brighten considerably if the supremely talented Joel Embiid, who has missed two seasons with foot...