The Penthouse. Where Air Is Rare. The Last Five Titles Have Been Won By These Elite Three, And One Of Them Should Claim The Classiest Premises Again.

THREE-BEDROOM CONDO. Each of these clubs has stability, depth and at least one superstar. Chemistry, coaching and luck will determine whether they can move into a higher rent district.

ROOM WITH A VIEW. But these clubs are paying a burdensome rent. After years of being fixtures in the playoffs, they're faced with the encroachment of age and a paucity of draft picks.

COLD-WATER FLAT. But movin' on up. Each of these clubs has helped itself after missing or barely making the playoffs last season, although each must win more than 10 games on the road if it wants to play in May.

THE OUTHOUSE. No sweet smell of success here. These teams are certain to be in the running for the No. 1 pick in the '85 draft (sure to be Patrick Ewing ) which—so long, coin flip—will be determined by lottery among the saddest seven.