I will examine each and every team's stats in the Atlantic Conference. This conference has its dominant, average, and unbelievably disappointing teams. Can Boston do the remarkable and prove they don't just start off stellar but are a true championship contender?

Atlantic Conference

Celtics- A surprise to some, passed due to others. Garnett, Allen, and Pierce add a huge spark to a team with a last year's record of 24-58. At 8-1 this Boston team is recovering after a tough loss, the first of the season. Although only in week two it seems already like a playoff run and a strong finish. The season is starting so quickly it is hard to tell a difference. Who else can successfully beat these steaming hot Celtics? Without a doubt a playoff worthy team; the only block in the road is the new chemistry. The three newcomers, Kevin, Ray, and Paul will need the trust of each other when the opportunity is presented for post-season. Celtics overall grade for the beginning of the season, A.

Raptors- The definition of a brawny road team, better than average. At home they are not so sharp. Being 5-5 and 
second in the conference, they are in high spirits. The Raptors made it a tight game against the Jazz losing by a possibly 
manageable four points. With Anthony Parker starting the last six games Toronto is a threat while shooting, Parker is 
averaging 17.7 points and he is 15-25 in three point range. Chris Bosh is averaging 16.1 points, the Raptors may be better 
than first thought to be. Last year Toronto had a pretty amazing record at 47-35. Raptors overall grade for the beginning of 
07-08, B-.

Nets- The Nets have had a much better start than the record shows; a horrific 4-7. The nail-biter for all Nets fans is the two losses to the Celtics and one to the Raptors; a so far shameful record (1-3) in division play. They have not been so mighty against other opponents either. New Jersey last year was an even 41-41 making the playoffs, though this year the Nets community hopes for a stronger all around year. Richard Jefferson adds spark and pizzazz to this team with an average of 26.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Nets in the beginning of the season are going on some what of a worse path than last year. Overall grade, C-.

Knicks- This team makes me think, what is wrong with them?! The answers are a few things. First of all don't get me wrong, 
they are a strong team. If only they had a point guard, and maybe a well-thought plan of how to win on the road! The whole 
Isiah/Marbury situation can only hurt the image and players of this team. New York was a harsh 33-49 last year with hopes of  greatly improving. They did make an attempt to change during pre-season by giving the heave-ho to trouble-maker Steve Francis. Channing Frye was also traded to the Blazers for superstar Zach Randolph; it was a nice pickup in my opinion. If it had only worked out as anticipated. At 2-8 both of their wins are at home. I personally see no playoffs in the Knicks near future. Overall grade, D+.

76ers- Another disappointing season lay ahead, but I do see more wins than last year's 34-47. Andre is a promising and rising young star, but the question is how long will he be a 76er? Philadelphia is an underdog in almost every game they  play. They did have a very impressive fourth quarter comeback win against the Blazers on Friday. Fans are still wondering about the possibility, though highly unlikely, of a playoff berth. Both home and away the 76ers are not a strong threat but can score a few points here and there but with hardly any consistency. What actually has impressed me is their pretty good defense and ability to rebound. Overall grade, D.

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