For the fourth year in a row, the NBA's Western Conference figures to be a monster. This could be another year when 50 wins just barely gets in. With that in mind, here's my projection of how the West will be won:
(1) Lakers (66-16)
The players think this team will be better than last year's NBA Championship team. That's a tall order. But barring a lot of injuries, I've got them at least a game better than a year ago, maybe a few games better. I don't think they'll win 70, but they'll flirt with it.
(2) San Antonio (56-26)
Richard Jefferson makes this a much better, must faster, Spurs team. If Duncan and Ginobli can stay healthy, they'll win the division--but just barely--over Dallas.
(3) Portland (55-27)
Not sure how Andre Miller is going to fit, but love the way the Blazers finished last year and they'll beat Denver for the division. For what it's worth, the Blazers are a better regular season team than a playoff team.
(4) Denver (54-28)
They'll be good, but I think they'll take a step back from last year. Too many combustible parts.
(5) Dallas (52-30)
This team will be better than most people think. Love the Marion pick-up, and like Carlisle back for another year. I could have them too low. Could finish as high as third.
(6) Utah (50-32)
Look at their roster. Boozer, Okur, Kirilenko, Williams...and Jerry Sloan coaching. You don't think this is a 50 win team? By the way, If they trade Boozer, the Jazz are out and Phoenix is in.
(7) New Orleans (49-33)
Chris Paul is too good for his team to miss the playoffs. I think.
(8) Clippers (48-34)
There. I said it. I might be the only one who goes on record with this pick, but I love Griffin--and Baron seems motivated.
The Rest:
9) Phoenix
10) Houston
11) Oklahoma City
12) Golden State
13) Minnesota
14) Memphis
15) Sacramento
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The East has more elite teams, but less depth. Here's how I see it:
(1) Cleveland (65-17)
LeBron has something to prove, which is a scary thought. Shaq won't make a huge difference, but he will help. They'll challenge the Lakers for best overall record, as will....
(2) Boston (64-18)
If the Celtics stay healthy, which is a big if, they are loaded. Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Garnett and Sheed? Probably the best starting five in the conference. Injuries might de-rail the Celts, but if not, look out.
(3) Orlando (60-22)
Three teams with 60 wins? This is the year. They'll feel the loss of Hedo, but are still loaded.
(4) Chicago (47-35)
I think with Deng returning, and Rose in his second year, they get a lot better.
(5) Atlanta (46-36)
Don't like the coach, don't like them as a road team, but they're in the East.
(6) Washington (43-39)
Like the core of Jamison, Butler and Arenas--and have always been a fan of Flip Saunders. I must like him--they only won 19 games last season.
(7) Toronto (42-40)
Love Brian Colangelo...and the Hedo pick-up is worth a lot. Back into the playoffs for the Raptors.
(8) Philadelphia (39-43)
If Elton Brand comes back, don't see how they miss the playoffs. Of course assuming that Brand will stay healthy is probably really stupid.
The Rest:
9) Miami
10) Charlotte
11) Detroit
12) New York
13) Indiana
14) New Jersey
15) Milwaukee
It is 7.25pm on 10-27 and the most recent podcast on your website is last week. ?????
Posted by: mark keckeisen | 10/27/2009 at 07:26 PM
I think Boston will take the top seed in the east..
Posted by: internet pharmacy | 11/02/2009 at 07:52 PM
Miami Heat on number 9?! I don't think so! They will still be able to have a place of number4-5 on the playoff!
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