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. Our predictions come this week.

6. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Coach: Sidney Lowe, third year.

Last season: 23-59, did not make playoffs.

Starters: C Lorenzen Wright, F Pau Gasol, F Shane Battier, G Michael Dickerson, G Jason Williams.

Key subs: F Drew Gooden (r), G Wesley Person, F Stromile Swift, G Brevin Knight.

New faces: Gooden, Person, G Earl Watson, C Cezary Trybanski (r), F Robert Archibald (r).

Strengths: Gasol is the reigning rookie of the year, and his combination of pure athleticism and strong fundamentals makes him a candidate to become an all-pro. He's one of a growing list of young players in the league who you really, really don't want to miss. Battier has established himself as the Grizzlies' leader, and he does everything pretty well. Gooden has been a rebounding machine in the preseason, and it might be hard for Lowe to keep him off the court. Person adds depth to the bench and from the perimeter and was an underrated pickup -- but new boss Jerry West is very good at that.

Weaknesses: The Grizzlies aren't exactly the most defensive-minded team, as Battier had a hard time defending in his first season, and Gasol didn't even try. Memphis is also in search for a consistent center.

Outlook: The Grizzlies are a little deeper, a little more talented. That's especially true when you consider that Dickerson returns after missing all of last season with a knee injury. But this is still a young team, a team in transition. The Grizzlies will be more organized and more competitive -- even if it doesn't show in the standings.

Radio: WHBQ-560 AM.

7. DENVER NUGGETS

Coach: Jeff Bzdelik, first year.

Last season: 27-55, did not make playoffs.

Starters: C Marcus Camby (when healthy), F Juwan Howard, F Nikoloz Tskitishvili (r), G James Posey, G Chris Whitney.

Key subs: C Mark Blount, F Rodney White, F Nene Hilario (r), F Ryan Bowen, G Kenny Satterfield, F Chris Anderson.

New faces: Camby, Blount, Tskitishvili, Whitney, White, Hilario, G Predrag Savovic (r).

Strengths: Well, the Nuggets do have some intriguing players -- namely, rookies Tskitishvili and Hilario, and second-year man White. Howard is also an underrated forward, although he and Camby will each use this season as an audition for new teams. The same may be true with Posey. The addition of Whitney will help in the areas of perimeter shooting, and more importantly, leadership.

Weaknesses: You can start with Camby's health, as he was always injured while with the Knicks, and is out until at least December following hip surgery. The Nuggets are hurting at every position, with the possible exception of power forward.

Outlook: The Nuggets are merely a mish-mash of bodies thrown together for two reasons -- to save money, and to build for the future. Three guys are good bets to be on this team next season (Tskitishvili, Hilario, and White). Everyone else could be gone, and the Nuggets' front office will be the first to tell you that. Bzdelik has promised to install a fast-paced, exciting game plan, and that should be enough to keep Denver fans awake until the good stuff arrives in a season or two.

Radio: KKFN-950-AM.