SOUTHEAST DIVISION

1. Miami Heat

Outlook: It seems the East final again is the minimum expectation. Complacency is a concern especially considering how the Heat meandered through last season. But no one wants to face this talented, experienced, deep team in the playoffs.

Projected starters: G Dwyane Wade; G Gary Payton; F Udonis Haslem; F Antoine Walker; C Shaquille O’Neal

2. Washington Wizards

Outlook: Coach Eddie Jordan is preaching defense but may still lack willing converts, especially in the post. The Wizards can score with the best, but that’s no comfort in the playoffs.

Projected starters: G Gilbert Arenas; G DeShawn Stevenson; F Caron Butler; F Antawn Jamison; C Brendan Haywood

3. Orlando Magic

Outlook: Dwight Howard is a star. Darko Milicic, eligible to become a restricted free agent in the summer, is motivated. Hill is healthy (for now) and Jameer Nelson is promising. It might be enough for the playoffs.

Projected starters: G Jameer Nelson; G Keith Bogans; F Grant Hill; F Dwight Howard; C Darko Milicic

4. Charlotte Bobcats

Outlook: Staying healthy while playing ugly could mean real improvement. But that may not be enough to satisfy fans still smarting from their experience with the Hornets franchise. Adam Morrison is the latest college star to be drafted by the Bobcats. He lit up the Orlando Summer League and will get plenty of minutes.

Projected starters: G Brevin Knight; G Raymond Felton; F Gerald Wallace; F Emeka Okafor; C Primoz Brezec

5. Atlanta Hawks

Outlook: The ownership problems cloud everything – if the young players are still in it come January, will they get any help? Hawks should at least be fun to watch.

Projected starters: G Speedy Claxton; G Joe Johnson; F Josh Smith; F Marvin Williams (broken hand, out 6-8 weeks); C Zaza Pachulia

Capsules by Michael Cunningham,

South Florida Sun-Sentinel