By Sam Amico / the Amico Report

The numbers next to each team are Sam Amico's predicted finishes in the division. This is the Atlantic division. These are not the consensus predictions of Inside Hoops. Ours come just before the start of the season.

5. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Coach: Larry Brown, sixth year.

Last season: 43-39, lost to Boston in first round of playoffs.

Starters: C Todd MacCulloch, F Derrick Coleman (when healthy), F Keith Van Horn, G Allen Iverson, G Eric Snow.

Key subs: G Aaron McKie, F Monty Williams, G/F Greg Buckner, F/C Brian Skinner, C Samuel Dalembert.

New faces: MacCulloch, Van Horn, Williams, Buckner, Skinner, F Mark Bryant, G John Salmons (r), F Sam Clancy (r).

Strengths: The heart of Iverson and the wills of old stand-bys like McKie and Snow. Williams -- who will probably start until Coleman returns in December from a knee injury -- is all hustle, as are guys like Buckner, Bryant and MacCulloch. Van Horn provides a much-needed consistent outside shot, and seems to be meshing well with Iverson.

Weaknesses: Lot of inconsistent, banged-up players on this roster. Also, outside of Iverson (and perhaps Van Horn), there isn't one guy who can be counted on to give you at least 10 points every night.

Outlook: A lot better than it may seem early. Iverson isn't the highest-percentage shooter, but he is a winner and the type of on-the-floor leader any teammate would want, even if he doesn't like practice. But, as always, there are a lot of things that could go wrong in Philly, especially if Iverson can't stay healthy or get along with Brown. That said, if things work out, the Sixers could find themselves atop the division at the end of the season. More likely will be a tough go in the first few months, followed by a late run. Like each of the four teams listed above, the Finals are not out of the question.

Radio: WIP-610 AM.

6. NEW YORK KNICKS

Coach: Don Chaney, second year.

Last season: 30-52, did not make playoffs.

Starters: C Kurt Thomas, F Clarence Weatherspoon, F Latrell Sprewell (when healthy), G Allan Houston, G Charlie Ward.

Key subs: F Shandon Anderson, C Michael Doleac, G Howard Eisley, F Othella Harrington, G Frank Williams (r).

New faces: Doleac, Williams, G Toby Bailey, F Antonio McDyess (out for season, knee).

Strengths: Well, Houston is a pretty good shooter. And Thomas and Weatherspoon sure do work hard for being undersized at their respective positions.

Weaknesses: You can probably start with luck, as McDyess and Sprewell were supposed to be the Knicks' top two players. Instead, they're just two guys in casts. Sprewell should be healthy soon, and hopefully his relationship with the team soon gets repaired. Point guard, center, and overall depth are problem areas -- which should just about cover everything.

Outlook: Looking at the roster, it's hard to imagine the Knicks winning 30 games again. The good news is Houston, who has played as well during the preseason as he has at any other time during his career. The bad news is Weatherspoon and Anderson will be the starting forwards to open the season. Without McDyess, you can forget the playoffs, and the only question here is what changes for the team are in store. Plenty come to mind.

Radio: WFAN 660-AM.

7. MIAMI HEAT

Coach: Pat Riley, eighth year.

Last season: 36-46, did not make playoffs.

Starters: C Brian Grant, F LaPhonso Ellis, F Caron Butler (r), G Eddie Jones, G Travis Best.

Key subs: F Malik Allen, C/F Sean Marks, G Anthony Carter, G Eddie House, G/F Rasual Butler (r), C Alonzo Mourning (out for season, kidney).

New faces: Best, Caron Butler, Rasual Butler, G/F Luke Recker (r).

Strengths: The effort put forth each night by Grant, Ellis and especially, Jones. Also, Riley is one of the game's best, and he will get more out of the talent-challenged Heat than anybody else could.

Weaknesses: The Heat is a team without any real chemistry and no true center or point guard. This team is young, not overly athletic, and simply trying to piece together something that resembles a lineup.

Outlook: Miami gave a valiant effort during the second half of last season, but without Mourning, there is no hope of picking up where it left off. Instead, fans and management will be forced to focus on the development of the two Butlers, and hope no one gets hurt. Twenty-five wins should be considered a success.

Radio: WIOD-610 AM (WACC-830 Am for Spanish broadcast).