ATLANTIC DIVISION

1. BOSTON CELTICS — The Celtics are a preseason favorite to make a deep run into the playoffs, as their starting roster is pretty much identical to last year’s. The differences are on the bench: Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels were big additions to this team. If they can play disciplined basketball and the rest of the bench steps up like it has in previous years, the Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen will get ample rest and the team will be near the top of the Eastern Conference.

2. TORONTO RAPTORS — After years of mediocrity, it’s time to rise from the ashes. The acquisition of Hedo Turkoglu puts the Raptors over the top. Jose Calderon is a master passing threat, and a beefed up Chris Bosh has been waiting his whole career to have a playoff-caliber team around him. The emergence of Andrea Bargnani and the bolstering of the bench make this a top-four Eastern Conference team.

3. PHILADELPHIA 76ers — The Sixers have some talented guys on the roster. Andre Iguodala is underrated, but still not good enough to be in the upper tier of NBA stars. Thaddeus Young has tremendous potential, and this could be the year he brings it together for a big season. The addition of Jason Kapono gives them a good pure shooter. Elton Brand, a former No. 1 draft pick, has to prove that he’s not a flake. In 2005-06, he averaged 24.7 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. If he has another season like that in him and the rest of the Sixers play to their potential, this team could sneak into the playoffs again.

4. NEW YORK KNICKS — David Lee has established himself as a consistent big man and Al Harrington had a career-high in points last year, but the Knicks lack consistency almost everywhere else. Nate Robinson is a great scorer, but a streaky one. Chris Duhon isn’t worthy of starting on any NBA team. Eddy Curry is likely not to have another breakout year for the Knicks. Despite the good coaching of Mike D’Antoni, the Knicks will have a challenging year.

5. NEW JERSEY NETS — The core of the team is young: Devin Harris is a strong player, Courtney Lee has fabulous potential and Brook Lopez had a solid rookie season. Chris Douglas-Roberts could be a solid scorer for them as well. Yi Jianlian hasn’t satisfied the high expectations set for him. Rafer Alston can be a game-changer when his shot is on. But the Nets have an uphill climb in a competitive Atlantic Division.