Western Conference

Teams In Predicted Order Of Finish

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Southwest Division

San Antonio Spurs

Last season -- 59-23

Coach -- Gregg Popovich, 10th season, 455-233.

Spurs' formula -- The addition of Michael Finley bodes well for a team seeking its fourth title in eight seasons. Tim Duncan is arguably the best player in the league, and the supporting cast is terrific. Oh, did we mention that Nick Van Exel is in the mix as well?

The buzz -- Everything is as good as it looks on paper. They will be favored to win it all again, and the egos are in check here so there is no concern about the team chemistry blowing up. Besides, you want this team to go deep in the playoffs just to check out Tony Parker's cutie pie, Eva Longoria.

Houston Rockets

Last season -- 51-31

Coach -- Jeff Van Gundy, third season with Rockets, 96-68; 344-240 overall.

Rockets' formula -- Chemistry and continuity will help the Rockets, with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming getting a better feel for each other. Free agent Stromile Swift adds athleticism to Yao's size in the frontcourt, and combined with new acquisitions Derek Anderson and Rafer Alston, could mean they will play at a faster pace.

The buzz -- This team lost by 40 points to the Mavericks in the seventh game of a first-round series. Will a hangover linger? The signing of Yao to a long-term deal means he and McGrady both are locked up long term now so another pertinent question is whether they will get in better sync.

Dallas Mavericks

Last season -- 58-24

Coach -- Avery Johnson, second season, 16-2.

Mavericks' formula -- With only Dirk Nowitzki left from a core group of players that were perennial challengers but never NBA champions, the Mavericks are hoping to be re-energized with a new supporting cast that includes former Magic head case Doug Christie. Good luck with that.

The buzz -- Owner Mark Cuban didn't want to pay luxury taxes to keep star Michael Finley. Without him, Dallas could struggle. It could depend upon whether Marquis Daniels is ready for prime minutes. It's unclear whether he or Jerry Stackhouse, who has been hurt, will come off the bench first.

Memphis Grizzlies

Last season -- 45-37

Coach -- Mike Fratello, second season with Memphis, 40-26; 612-491 overall.

Grizzlies' formula -- Fratello got rid of three malcontents - James Posey, Jason Williams and Bonzi Wells - hoping to build on a 4-26 record after taking over the team last season. He might lose a bunch of points, but Pau Gasol is set to blossom as this team's franchise player.