The Eastern Conference Atlantic Division features the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks.
This season it will be a battleground for playoff seeding and could see the eventual Eastern Conference champion emerge.
Here we look at the task the Orlando Magic will face from the teams of the Eastern Conference Atlantic Division.
BOSTON CELTICS
The most successful of all Eastern Conference teams is searching for a way to reclaim their former glories. As such there has been something of a reset as the team made changes in both the management and playing staff.
Key Arrivals
Al Horford (C), Dennis Schroeder (PG), Josh Richardson (G/F), Enes Kanter (C), Kris Dunn (PG), Bruno Fernando (C).
Key Departures
Kemba Walker (PG), Evan Fournier (SG), Tristan Thompson (C), Semi Ojeleye (F)
Extensions and Re-signings
Marcus Smart (G) (4 years at $77 million), Robert Williams III (C) (4 years at $47.9 million)
Potential Starting Lineup
Dennis Schroeder (PG), Marcus Smart (SG), Jaylen Brown (SF), Jayson Tatum (PF), Al Horford (C)
The Celtics have a new head coach in the form of Ime Udoka. This is his first role as a head coach, having vast experience as an assistant at San Antonio, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. Last year’s head coach Brad Stevens has now moved to general manager within the front office.
The signing of Schroeder was a bargain, the arrival of Horford settled the centre position and securing Smart was essential. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown already in place they are looking strong. It remains to be seen if they have the depth to mount a deep post season challenge.
Matchups With Orlando
Nov 3rd (H), Jan 2nd (A), Feb 6th (H) – 2 games in Orlando and 1 in Boston.
BROOKLYN NETS
Much fancied to become the 2021-22 winners of the Eastern Conference and potentially the NBA champions. Questions however remain on the fitness and regular availability of their Big 3.
Key Arrivals
Patty Mills (PG), Paul Millsap (PF), James Johnson (F/C), Jevon Carter (PG), Jahlil Okafor (C/F), Sekou Doumbouya (F), LaMarcus Aldridge (F/C), Cam Thomas (G) (rookie), Day’Ron Sharpe (C) (rookie)
Key Departures
Spencer Dinwiddie (G), Jeff Green (F), Landry Shamet (G), DeAndre Jordan (C)
Extensions and Re-signings
Kevin Durant (F) (4 years at $194.2 million), Blake Griffin (F/C) (veteran minimum as Detroit are to pay Griffin $29.8 million this season), Bruce Brown (G/F) (qualifying offer $4.7 million)
Potential Starting Lineup
James Harden (PG), Kyrie Irving (SG), Joe Harris (SF), Kevin Durant (PF), Nik Claxton (C)
Landing Patty Mills as back up to Kyrie Irving or James Harden is a strong move this off-season for the Nets. They also now have a wealth of big talent at the centre position, any of whom could start. Steve Nash must choose between a now fit again LaMarcus Aldridge who returns to the NBA, the 22 year old Nik Claxton, James Johnson and Blake Griffin who had the role in the playoffs last season.
Add in the talents of Joe Harris, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Bruce Brown amongst others and it is hard to see anything other than a very competitive season.
Matchups With Orlando
Nov 10th (H), Nov 19th (A), Dec 18th (A), Mar 15th (H)
NEW YORK KNICKS
After a strong season last time around the Knicks are much fancied to be a stronger force this.
Key Arrivals
Kemba Walker (PG), Evan Fournier (SG/SF)
Key Departures
Reggie Bullock (G/F), Elfrid Payton (G)
Extensions and Re-signings
Julius Randle (F) (4 years at $117.1 million), Derrick Rose (PG), Nerlens Noel (C), Alec Burks (G/F), Taj Gibson (C)
Potential Starting Lineup
Kemba Walker (PG), RJ Barrett (SG), Evan Fournier (SF), Julius Randle (PF), Mitchell Robinson (C)
In anyone’s world having Kemba start at the point is an upgrade on Elfrid Payton. Throw in some depth from the bench; Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox II, Nerlens Noel, Dwayne Bacon, Taj Gibson and Alec Burks. It is easy to understand the excitement building around Madison Square Garden
Matchups With Orlando
Oct 22nd (H), Oct 24th (A), Nov 17th (A), Apr 3rd (H)
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
In some ways the Sixers off-season is still incomplete. Is Ben Simmons being traded? Have relationships with their All-Star playmaker soured beyond repair? If so can Philly achieve the reported high asking price they seek? Until that question is settled it is hard to evaluate how far can the 76ers go?
Key Arrivals
Andre Drummond (C), Georges Niang (PF)
Key Departures
George Hill (G), Dwight Howard (C)
Extensions and Re-signings
Joel Embiid (4 years at $196 million), Danny Green (SF) (2 years at $20 million), Furkan Korkmuz (G/F) (3 years at $15 million)
Potential Starting Lineup
Ben Simmons (PG), Seth Curry (SG), Danny Green (SF), Tobias Harris (PF), Joel Embiid (C)
Getting Drummond was a strong signing and the Green deal is great value. Philly have talent but there are always questions about their balance and depth. The starting unit is solid, genuinely good. Shake Milton, Andre Drummond, Tyrese Maxey, Furkan Korkmuz and Matisse Thybulle are good backup players, able to come from the bench or fill in as a starting option.
However until the Simmons situation is resolved it is impossible to know the full impact upon the team’s chemistry and play.
Matchups With Orlando
Jan 5th (H), Jan 19th (A), Mar 13th (H) – 2 games in Orlando and 1 in Philadelphia
TORONTO RAPTORS
The post Kyle Lowry era begins now for Toronto! As they move on from their star point guard the Raptors may have to fight hard to return to the postseason.
Key Arrivals
Goran Dragic (PG), Svi Mykhailiuk (G), Precious Achiuwa (F/C), Sam Dekker (F), Scottie Barnes (F) (rookie)
Key Departures
Kyle Lowry (PG), Aron Baynes (C), Rodney Hood (SF)
Extensions and Re-signings
Gary Trent Jr (SG) (3 years at $51.8 million), Khem Birch (C) (3 years at $20 million)
Potential Starting Lineup
Fred VanVleet (PG), Gary Trent Jr (SG), OG Anunoby (SF), Pascal Siakam (PF), Khem Birch (C)
There is no getting away from the fact that losing Lowry is impactful on the Raptors. However VanVleet and Trent Jr are really good, they will be capable of running an effective back court. Siakam is unquestionably a huge presence in this lineup and will be key piece for point scoring.
Depth comes from Goran Dragic, Svi Mykhailiuk, Precious Achiuwa, Sam Dekker, Scottie Barnes and Yuma Watanabe amongst others.
Matchups With Orlando
Oct 29th (A), Dec 20th (A), Apr 1st (H) – 2 games in Toronto and 1 in Orlando.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION
There are strong arguments for all five teams making a push for the post season. Two would expect to be in the consideration for being the Eastern Conference champion.
The next Penny For Your Thoughts podcast will be about the Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. We will talk with U.K. fans of these five teams to get some insight and opinions about their team. If you have not already done so please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Make sure to hit the notification button so as not to miss future episodes.
