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NBA Atlantic Division Outlook: Are The Celtics Ready To Overtake Toronto?

By Ryan Piers

Oct 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives the ball against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) defending during the 2nd quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives the ball against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) defending during the 2nd quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens during media day at the Boston Celtic Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens during media day at the Boston Celtic Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

How It Pans out

The Atlantic Division should be a two-team race between the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics. The addition of Al Hortford nearly puts the C’s on par talent wise with Toronto, while Boston has the upper hand with Stevens on the bench.

I’m optimistic about New York and think Rose will stay relatively healthy, perform well and help the Knicks get back to the playoffs.

Philadelphia will make strides while the Nets remain one of the worst teams in the NBA. So three competitive teams, if all goes well for this division.

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Not bad for the Atlantic, which produced the three worst squads in the Eastern Conference last season.