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.

3. BOSTON CELTICS

Coach: Jim O'Brien, third year.

Last season: 49-33, lost to New Jersey in conference finals.

Starters: C Vin Baker, F Antoine Walker, F Eric Williams, G Paul Pierce, G Tony Delk.

Key subs: G Shammond Williams, C Tony Battie, F Walter McCarty, C Bruno Sundov, G Kedrick Brown.

New faces: Baker, Williams, Sundov, G J.R. Bremer (r).

Strengths: Pierce's appetite for victory and Walker's outside shooting. A long time ago, some experts believed Baker would become another Kevin McHale. Baker will never be that good, but like McHale once was, he'll be the guy who the Celtics turn to for low-post scoring.

Weaknesses: Does anyone see a starting point guard on the roster? And don't say Tony Delk. Depth isn't exactly a strong point, either. An intimidating full-court press could make the Celtics feel like running home to mommy.

Outlook: A lot depends on Baker. Will he be something close to the 18-point, nine-rebound force Boston needs? Or will he be lazy and ineffective and drive Pierce and Walker into fits of rage? Either way, the Celtics boast one of the league's underrated basketball minds in O'Brien -- and two guys who refuse to lose in Pierce and Walker. With no experienced point man on the roster, a repeat of last season's playoff run appears to be unlikely. Unless, of course, the Celtics can rely on Baker and learn how to make the offense operate from inside to out. Best bet? Fifty wins and at least a second-round appearance.

Radio: WWZN-1510 AM.

4. ORLANDO MAGIC

Coach: Doc Rivers, fourth year.

Last season: 44-38, lost to Charlotte in first round of playoffs.

Starters: C Shawn Kemp, F Horace Grant, F Grant Hill, G Tracy McGrady, G Jacque Vaughn.

Key subs: G/F Mike Miller, G Darrell Armstrong, F Pat Garrity, C Andrew DeClerq, F Ryan Humphrey (r).

New faces: Kemp, Vaughn, Humphrey.

Strengths: Swingmen. McGrady is intelligent and athletic and has become Kobe Bryant East. Without McGrady, this team is fighting to stay out of the division cellar. Meanwhile, it will probably take some time for Hill to come close to his All-Star form of three seasons ago, simply because it's hard to stay in shape when you've had the type of ankle problems he's had. Miller, Armstrong, and Garrity form a hard-working and very underrated trio off the bench.

Weaknesses: The Magic isn't going to scare many teams up front. Another preseason meant another opportunity for Kemp to show up out of shape -- which is exactly what he did. He seems have regained his passion, though, and playing next to a pro like Grant should only help. Still, this team doesn't have a center it can trust.

Outlook: Similar to last season. In other words, unless Hill and Miller have career years, and Kemp can consistently puts up 13 points and grabs six rebounds, McGrady just won't have enough help. Also, Vaughn is the starting point guard, and he has a lot to prove. When he decided to leave Atlanta at the end of last season, the Hawks practically ordered Vaughn a limo. No matter, if Hill can regain his form, and everyone else improves a little, the Magic have enough talent to win the division and make a run at the Finals. Honest.

Radio: WDBO-580 AM (WOTS-1220 AM for Spanish broadcast).