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New York Knicks: Predicting The Atlantic Division

By Chris Priczak

Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) makes a move against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) makes a move against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

Last season, the Boston Celtics finished with a 48-34 record, which was eight games behind the Toronto Raptors. While the Celtics had one of the top defenses in the league, the team struggled when it came to shooting last season.

The Celtics finished at the bottom of the league in terms of effective field goal percentage; the Celtics had a 48.5 effective field goal percentage, which was No. 27 in the league.

While Boston didn’t have much consistency in shooting, the team had one of the best defenses in the Association. CBS Sports believe that it is a “lock” that the Celtics will have one of the top defenses next season.

Even though Boston made a couple of moves during the offseason, one of their young players needs to take a step forward next season. Boston lost Evan Turner in free agency, so the Celtics will need someone to fill that void.

Maybe that will be Marcus Smart. Or maybe that could be Terry Rozier.

Rozier looked really good at Summer League and is looking to carve out a larger role in his sophomore season.

One of Boston’s key additions, Al Horford, will have a productive first season in Boston. In his last season in Atlanta, the nine-year veteran averaged 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest.

In addition, the 6’10” center was an All-Star the past two seasons.

When you mix Isaiah Thomas and a defensive-minded guard like Avery Bradley, along with the addition of Horford, the Celtics are primed for success. And you can’t forget about Brad Stevens, who finished in the Top 6 in the Coach of the Year voting.

The main threat to Toronto in the division is Boston. There won’t be much separation in wins between the two teams, but the Celtics will edge out the Raptors and claim their first division title since the 2011-12 season.

must read: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

Projected Standings

Boston Celtics
Toronto Raptors
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Brooklyn Nets

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