Western Conference Predictions

Here are the annual predictions for how the Western Conference will end up:

1. Lakers-The PG freebie will continue to pay dividends and the Lakers will remain on top.
2. Jazz-Overly optimistic? Certainly. I'm going to say that Big Al steps up and gets Boozer's 20-10 with an additional 1.2 blocks a game and Utah moves up to second in a tightly contested playoff race.
3. Blazers-I picked them in this position last year, and I'm hoping that they do not prove me wrong again.
4. Thunder-They will be good, but not that good.
5. Mavericks-Mark Cuban will make a number of trades and adjustments to see his team lose again. It helps when you don't fire Avery Johnson.
6. Nuggets-I see the Nuggets having another embarrassing first-round exit.
7. Hornets-Watching Paul's attempt to regain the crown of best PG in the league will be fantastic.
8. Spurs-They will succumb to the laws of aging and lose in the first round, but will still make the playoffs.