Once again the Western Conference features 9 teams playing musical chairs with 8 playoff spots. It is your Phoenix Suns would be left standing if the music stopped today.
Fortunately, this dance will continue for about 7 more weeks (giving me lots of time to beat this metaphor to death).
Here's a quick look at the final nine (now switching from child's game to BSG reference) and how they will finish.
| #1 | Lakers | 47-10 | Enough said....in fact far too much has been said |
| #2 | Spurs | 39-17 |
Even without Manu for a few weeks and TD for a few days the Spurs aren't going anywhere. They will win their division securing the 2nd spot |
| #3 | Nuggets | 38-20 |
The Nuggets seems to be slipping a bit. Will be passed by Utah and battle w/ Blazers for 2nd spot in the division. Finish about 5th or 6th in the west |
| #4 | Rockets | 36-21 |
Without T-Mac they are playing better (shocking) but they aren't good enough to catch the Spurs for the division. Will finish 5th or 6th in the west. |
| #5 | Blazers | 35-22 |
Oden might be out for awhile and if his knee does get healthy will he care? Will finish 2nd or 3rd in the division and 6th or 7th in the West |
| #6 | Hornets | 34-22 |
Now that Chandler is staying he's got something to prove. Hornets will finish strong be the 4th seed |
| #7 | Jazz | 35-23 |
The Jazz are finally getting healthy and are going to explode to the line. They will win the NW division and finish 3rd in the west |
| #8 | Mavericks | 34-23 |
The only team more questionable then the Mavs is the Suns. Missing a key player and with inconsistent performance you might as well flip a coin at this point. But since I am a homer...Mavs get left out |
| #9 | Suns | 32-24 |
The only team more questionable then the Suns is the Mavs. Missing a key player and with inconsistent performance you might as well flip a coin at this point. But since I am a homer...Suns land the 8th seed and the right to play LA in the first round where anything can happen (but won't) |