West - Top 4 1) Lakers - Best player and best coach in the NBA. Its been a long few years for the Lakers, playing into June 3 years straight (losing to Boston the first year), but until they lose that hunger they are the team to beat hands down. The Lakers only have 3 players on the roster over 30, one being Kobe at 32. So unless they get series injuries, these guys are coming out of the West. 2) Dallas - I still think Jason Kidd has enough in the tank for another good season or two. Hard to believe that he is 37 already, but he is in great shape. Dallas has added some size, as they have 4 guys who are 7-0. The knock on them has always been that they are soft come playoff time. Dallas got roughed up in the first round last year, so I think we will see a more physical team this year. 3) Oklahoma City - These guys have become a public favorite. They are very exciting to watch, and will put 110-120 points on any given night. They went from 23 wins to 50 last year, and should get back to the 50 mark this year. But come playoff time I would not put a lot of stock into a team that is young and doesn't play D. This team reminds me a lot of the Suns when they were young. 4) Portland - I was big on these guys going into last year, and injuries really did them in but they still managed to win 50 games. I would love to see them stay healthy and see what they could really do. If they are healthy and do play up to expectations, these guys would be my team to knock out the Lakers in the west. But first they have to win a playoff series, they have gotten knocked out in the first round the last 2 years. East - Top 4 1) Heat - I hate saying this, but these guys are the team to beat. It may take a little time to build chemistry, but come playoff time I would not want to face these guys. I don't need to tell you who is on the team, the world knows this already. 2) Orlando - I would not be suprised if these guys finished with the best record in the East for the regular season. These guys have won 59 games the last 2 years and are only getting better. 60+ is not out of the question, and having the best record in the East, because everyone will be gunning for Heat. But come playoff time these guys seem to play scared and lack the offensive fire power. 3) Bulls - You were probably expecting the Celtics here? I like this Bulls team. I like how they play aggressive ball. They added Boozer, and only have 2 players over 30. I think they make some noise this year. Derek Rose might make a run at MVP this year. 4) Celtics - I think we can Rajon Rondo is the backbone on this team now. I personally don't think the Celtics are going to be playing for best record, just as long they finish no worse than 4th and get 1 round with home field. After that its all about getting ready for the post-season, keeping the older guys fresh to make one last run at a title. They know they can compete with anyone in a best of 7 series, but also know they aren't going to win 60+ like the Heat and Magic. But beware of them come playoff time.
 

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