The Atlantic is one of the most bottom-heavy divisions in the league. The components are one powerhouse team, one mediocre team and three sad-sack clubs.

Boston Celtics

Strengths: Even though the Big Three are able to attack defenses in multidimensional ways, Paul Pierce remains the bedrock of their offense. Why is PP still underrated by so many NBA watchers?

Kendrick Perkins' bulk and rapid improvement as a pivotal scorer.

Andre Iguodala's quick steps to the hoop.

The rebounding and shot blocking of Samuel Dalembert.

The defense of Royal Ivey.

The continued improvement of Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights, two of the brightest young talents in the league.

Weaknesses: The mistakes that will abound while Williams learns how to run an offense.

Not enough shots for Young.

In a disturbing echo of Ben Wallace, Dalembert's perpetual insistence that he be allowed to wheel and deal in the low post.

The dysfunctional matching of the heavy-footed Brand with four starters who want to — and need to — run.

An overall lack of defense and of reliable perimeter shooting.

The noticeable loss of Andre Miller's steady guidance.

Prognosis: Another average season for an average club, terminating in another first-round loss.

Toronto Raptors

Strengths: Chris Bosh's slick drives and pull-ups.

The quick release and accuracy of Andrea Bargnani's long-range jumpers.

No other point guard takes better care of the ball than Jose Calderon.

Antoine Wright has quick skills that have yet to be fully tapped.

There's always the possibility that Marcus Banks will finally approach the upper limits of his considerable talent.

Hedo Turkoglu's shooting range and uncanny ability to drive the ball into the lane.

Jarrett Jack's leadership and toughness.

Weaknesses: Lack of defense and interior scoring.

Not enough scoring off the bench.

Their toughest, most mobile big man — Reggie Evans — can't score with a pencil.

Their center position is manned by Rasho Nesterovic, Patrick O'Bryant and Jake Voskuhl — certainly the least athletic in-the-middle threesome extant.

Calderon lacks imagination.

Their franchise player — Bosh — is best equipped to be a second option.

The team has no discernible personality.

Prognosis: If Jay Triano can lead this dysfunctional squad into the playoffs, he should be the unanimous choice for Coach of the Year.