We certainly haven't saved the best for last. The Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division has one team that should make the playoffs (Toronto), one that might (Boston) and three that probably won't. The Raptors haven't got out the first round of the post-season in each of the last two years. Boston and the Brooklyn Nets made it last year with losing records but Miami and Indiana should both be back in the play-offs come April at their expense. That spells bad news for this division, one that may send just one team to the post-season.

Boston Celtics (40-42 last season): The Celtics are set to become the latest team to live through the conundrum that is David Lee. This bloke can score and he can rebound, but can de defend? The short answer is no. He will put up good numbers in Boston, but whether he will help add to the win column remains to be seen. Amir Johnson should make the C's stronger in the middle. They were the feelgood story of the East when they made the playoffs last season before the reality of the situation became apparent via a first-round sweep at the hands of Cleveland. The likes of Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart should continue to improve, but another year of being at-or-about .500 is looming large.

Gains: Terry Rozier (rookie), R.J. Hunter (rookie), Jordan Mickey (rookie), Amir Johnson (Raptors), David Lee (Warriors)

Losses: Brandon Bass (Lakers), Chris Babb (Warriors), Gerald Wallace (76ers), Zoran Dragic (waived), Phil Pressey (waived)

Look like they will just miss the playoffs

Difference maker?: David Lee will be a watched man in Boston. Photo: AP

Brooklyn Nets (38-44): Oh man, this could be a really bad team. Joe Johnson can still score, as can Brook Lopez. Thaddeus Young is passable as a starting forward, but after that the talent is very thin. Lopez doesn't have a great record with injury, but hopefully he can stay on the court this season. Even if the season goes as bad as people think, trading their stars in return for draft picks will be easier said than done. The Nets do have one thing going for them. In Mikhail Prokhorov they one of the more interesting owners in the NBA. Have a look at the YouTube clip and ask yourself what other owner could do this?

Gains: Chris McCullough (rookie), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (R), Juan Vaulet (R) Andrea Bargnani (Knicks), Wayne Ellington (Lakers), Shane Larkin (Knicks), Thomas Robinson (76ers), Donald Sloan (Pacers), Dahntay Jones (Clippers), Quincy Miller (Pistons)

Losses: Alan Anderson (Wizards), Mirza Teletovic (Suns), Mason Plumlee (Trail Blazers), Earl Clark (waived), Darius Morris (waived), Deron Williams (Mavericks)

They won't come within sniffing distance of the playoffs

New York Knicks (17-65): Everyone knows Carmelo Anthony and how he plays. As for the rest of them, who knows what we will get. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis needs to develop and learn - if he is given time he could become something special. Now, time for a story which sums the Knicks up perfectly. Two years ago I was chatting to a lifelong Knicks fans at MSG and his summary of the team went like this: "I've supported the Knicks for 38 years, in three of those years I've actually enjoyed it". Sad, but true. That was before last year's train wreck. So that's three happy years from 39.

Gains: Kristaps Porzingis (R), Jerian Grant (R), Arron Afflalo (Trail Blazers), Robin Lopez (Trail Blazers), Kevin Seraphin (Wizards), Sasha Vujacic (Istanbul), Derrick Williams (Kings), Guillermo Hernangomez (76ers), Kyle O'Quinn (Magic)

Losses: Quincy Acy (Kings), Cole Aldrich (Clippers), Andrea Bargnani (Nets), Shane Larkin (Nets), Jason Smith (Magic), Alexey Shved (waived), Tim Hardaway jnr (Hawks)

They'll miss the post-season again (Make that three from 40)

Philadelphia 76ers (18-64): What's the best way to ensure your rebuilding project is never put to the test? Keep on rebuilding, that's how. The 76ers have been doing this for three years now. Nerlens Noel looks set to be a top-shelf defender and Jahlil Okafor should become a great scorer in the low post once he develops. You can't blame the Sixers for the fact Joel Embiid is about to miss his second straight season, can you? There are now fears Embiid may never play in the NBA. If so that is very sad news for he and his family. Apart from that the Sixers don's have a lot.

Gains: Jahlil Okafor (R), Willy Hernangomez (R), Richaun Holmes (R), J.P. Tokoto (R), Scottie Wilbekin (Cairns Taipans), Kendall Marshall (Bucks), Carl Landry (Kings), Nik Stauskas (Kings), Gerald Wallace (Celtics)

Losses: JaVale McGee (Mavericks), Glenn Robinson III (Pacers), Thomas Robinson (Nets), Guillermo Hernangomez (Knicks), Luc Mbah a Moute (Clippers), Gerald Wallace (waived)

Another high draft pick is coming their way

More of the same: Nerlens Noel and the 76ers look set for another long year. Photo: AP

Toronto Raptors (49-33): The Raptors have had consecutive seasons end in the first round of the playoffs. So, how are they going to end that streak and become a real force in April and May? The signing of DeMarre Carroll will certainly help, but a lot of pressusre is going to fall onto the shoulders of Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas. If he can turn potential into reliability, the Raptors just might be able to get into the second round for the second time in franchise history. Their backcourt is top rate, with Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross all capable of putting up big numbers.

Gains: Norman Powell (R), Delon Wright (R), Anthony Bennett (Timberwolves), Bismack Biyombo (Hornets), DeMarre Carroll (Hawks), Cory Joseph (Spurs), Luis Scola (Pacers)

Losses: Tyler Hansbrough (Hornets), Chuck Hayes (Clippers), Amir Johnson (Celtics), Greg Stiemsma (Magic), Lou Williams (Lakers), Greivis Vasquez (Bucks)

They'll lose in first round of the playoffs for a third straight year. Consistency

Key man: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan takes on Australian Matthew Dellavedova during pre-season action. Photo: AP