Atlantic Division

1. BOSTON: As long as their aging Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen stay healthy and productive, the Celtics will be the class of this division.

2. PHILADELPHIA: Even without Elton Brand, the 76ers won 40 games and had Detroit reeling in the first round of the playoffs last spring. They'll be improved this season.

3. TORONTO: If Jermaine O'Neal stays injury-free, he will solidify the Raptors' interior defense and take some pressure off Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani.

4. NEW JERSEY: Only three current players - Vince Carter, Sean Williams and Josh Boone - started last season with the Nets. But will change translate into more wins?

5. NEW YORK: Coach Mike D'Antoni brings his fast-paced style to the NBA's biggest stage, but don't expect immediate results for a team burdened by a bloated payroll.

Central Division

1. MILWAUKEE: Maybe this is a stretch, but Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd and Richard Jefferson give coach Scott Skiles a formidable foundation in a weak division.

2. DETROIT: After losing in the conference finals for the third straight year, coach Flip Saunders was fired. But the Pistons' real problem is a rapidly aging roster.

3. CLEVELAND: LeBron James can leave in 2010, so the clock is ticking. The Cavs must prove to their star they can win a title. That won't happen this year, however.

4. CHICAGO: Surprisingly, the Bulls hired inexperienced (and inexpensive) Vinny Del Negro as their coach. His task is difficult, but Chicago could bounce back.

5. INDIANA: The Pacers' top player, Danny Granger, once abandoned his college team (Bradley) at midseason. He'd probably like to walk away from this mess, too.

Southeast Division

1. ORLANDO: The Magic look like Boston's top challenger in the East, thanks to the presence of emerging star Dwight Howard and a capable supporting cast.

2. ATLANTA: Sixth-man Josh Childress signed with a Greek team, but Joe Johnson and Josh Smith come off their best seasons and rookie Al Horford is a keeper.

3. WASHINGTON

The Wizards have had four consecutive winning seasons, but they've lost in the first round of the playoffs three straight times. Have they hit their ceiling?

4. CHARLOTTE: Michael Jordan fired rookie coach Sam Vincent because Larry Brown was available. He should help the 'Cats, but the playoffs still seem like a stretch.

5. MIAMI: If any team featuring All-Star Dwyane Wade, former All-Star Shawn Marion and No. 2 pick Michael Beasley can end up winning 30 games, it's this one.