Last year, the Atlantic Division champion Boston Celtics went on to win the NBA Championship. The additions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen played a huge role in dragging the Celtics out of the depths of mediocrity and into the spotlight. Will the Celtics be able to repeat this year and win another championship? We'll find out. In the meantime, here are your previews and predictions for the Atlantic Division in 2008-09.


New Jersey Nets
Last Year: 34-48
Key Additions: F Yi Jianlian, G Keyon Dooling, F Eduardo Najera, G Chris Douglas-Roberts, C Brook Lopez
Key Losses: C DeSagan Diop, F Richard Jefferson, C Nenad Kristic, F Bostjan Nachbar
The Nets are officially in rebuilding mode. Many people think that they will try to make a strong push for Lebron James in 2010, so they are opening up as much salary cap space as possible. While James might bring in fans and revenue in the long run, the short term outlook for the team is bleak. Vince Carter is unquestionably their leader on the court, and he simply isn't the kind of player you want for that role. It's going to be a long year in New Jersey.

Prediction: 26-56


New York Knicks
Last Year: 23-59
Key Additions: Coach Mike D'Antoni, F Patrick Ewing Jr., G Chris Duhon, F Danilo Gallinari
Key Losses: None, really. This team could lose their entire roster, and it wouldn't be a big loss.
The Knicks have been the doormat of the division, and really the entire league for a few years now, thanks to the painfully awful Isiah Thomas Era. Outside of Matt Millen, Isiah may have been the worst GM in sports, and he took on more terrible contracts than anyone else I've seen. This year's team is a little younger, a little more talented, and although they're nowhere near playoff contention yet, they are improving steadily. Mike D'Antoni should be able to turn this team around in a few short years.

Prediction: 32-50


Toronto Raptors
Last Year: 41-41
Key Additions: F/C Jermaine O'Neal, C Roy Hibbert
Key Losses: G T.J. Ford, C Rasho Nesterovic,G Carlos Delfino
If Jermaine O'Neal can stay healthy and play to his potential, the Raptors will have one of the most athletic frontcourts in the NBA. Chris Bosh is one of the best players in the league, and Jose Calderon will do a great job distributing the ball. There's a lot of talent here, but it's just a matter of staying healthy and putting it all together. Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker aren't exactly world-beaters, but the Raptors might just have enough skilled players at the other positions and coming off the bench to sneak into the playoffs.

Prediction: 45-37

Philadelphia 76ers
Last Year: 40-42
Key Additions: F Elton Brand,  F Donyell Marshall, C Theo Ratliff, G Kareem Rush
Key Losses: C Calvin Booth, F Rodney Carney, G Kevin Ollie, F Shavlik Randolph
Elton Brand gives this team the low post presence that they desperately need. Brand is one of the best forwards in the game, and will be a huge help to Sam Dalembert down low. Along with Andre Iguodala, this team is poised to make huge strides this year.

Prediction: 49-33


Boston Celtics
Last Year: 66-16
Key Additions: C Patrick O'Bryant, F Bill Walker
Key Losses: F James Posey, F/C Scot Pollard
This is the Celtics' division to lose at this point. The defending champs lost a key role player in James Posey, but their Big 3 haven't gone anywhere. The biggest concerns are Ray Allen's surgically repaired knees, and the general wear and tear on Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Rajon Rondo should develop a little more and continue to become a very good PG, and Glen Davis, Leon Powe and Bill Walker look to step up big this year. The Celtics are the favorites to win the division, and possibly the whole conference. With players like KG and Paul Pierce, the Celtics certainly won't be content to rest on their laurels and slack off after last year's championship. The window is closing very soon for this aging team, and this might be the last chance for the Big 3 to win a championship again.

Prediction: 60-22