2011-2012 NBA Atlantic Division Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers to Win the NBA Atlantic Division: The Atlantic Division had three of the eight Eastern Conference playoff representatives last season, which was tied for the most of any division in the conference. That being said, the division also had two of the four worst teams in the East, and the 56 total wins by the Boston Celtics were the fewest of any division winner in the conference. In other words, the Atlantic Division could be described as the weakest at the top in the conference, but there is no doubt that it is also competitive as well.
2011-2012 NBA Atlantic Division Odds and Preview
- Boston Celtics (56-26 last season)
The Celtics’ core isn’t getting any younger, but Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen still have enough in the tank to win the Atlantic Division again this season. Boston’s recipe for success is simple. They shoot a high percentage on the offensive end, and they make opponents shoot a low percentage. There is no better team in the half court, and while the rigors of the condensed schedule will cost them a few games, the Celtics are still head and shoulders above the other teams in the division.
- New York Knicks (42-40 last season)
After the blockbuster trade in the middle of last season, the Knicks worked through some expected growing pains. The highs and lows should even out this year, and New York should comfortably make the postseason being on the bubble for most of last season. Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire should flourish in Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced system, and the Knicks will score plenty of points. A lack of dedication to defense will likely keep New York from winning the division, but grabbing the fourth or fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs is more than reasonable.
- Philadelphia 76ers (41-41 last season)
Philadelphia’s young roster matured throughout last season, and if point guard Jrue Holiday continues to develop, the 76ers should be able to return to the playoffs. Andre Iguoldala isn’t a superstar, but he is pretty darn good, and Elton Brand still has a few quality years left. Much like last season, Philadelphia will surprise some of the top teams from time to time, but they are still a few years away from overtaking the frontrunners come playoff time. At the end of the day, the 76ers are still the third-best team in the Atlantic Division.
- New Jersey Nets (24-58 last season)
With a move to Brooklyn on the horizon, the Nets are looking to the future and the free agent class of 2012-13. That being said, the combination of point guard Deron Williams and Brook Lopez isn’t a bad duo to go to battle with in the meantime. That being said, New Jersey lacks the depth and overall talent to contend in the division this season. A full year with Williams running the show should push the Nets past the 30-win mark, but the ceiling for the team is still somewhat limited.
- Toronto Raptors (22-60 last season)
Last year, the Raptors were the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference, and while the team isn’t likely to make a lot of progress this season, the future is bright. DeMar DeRozan is showing signs of becoming a franchise player, and Ed Davis more than held his own in the paint as a rookie last season. Assuming those two players continue to develop, along with former No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani, the groundwork for success is already place. More importantly, 6-11 center Jonas Valanciunas will be allowed to join the team in 2012-13, giving Toronto plenty of size and athleticism in its starting lineup. However, this is still a team build for the future.
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