by Jon O'Connor

Created on: January 31, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Let's start in the West, because let's face it, the winner IS going to come out of the west.

I'm going to start with the runner up Spurs. I do not see them repeating this season. I do see them going deep into the playoffs, perhaps as far as the West Championship but will not win. In order for this team to be productive Tim Duncan MUST score 25+ a night, but has shown that he can be stopped, Tony Parker will keep this team close, but I just don't see the offensive power from this team that they've had in the past. The defense is strong, but just doesn't cut it!

Dallas is a tough team to beat. Dirk can't do it alone, he needs his teamates to continue to step up. I just don't see this team having the depth to get it done in the playoffs. They will put up some wins, and possible conference finals, but not much more than that!

LA Lakers are a team of youth. I like this team a lot. I never thought i'd see the day that Kobe Bryant would emerge was a team "leader". He has become that AND more. You see Kobe in a players face when we messes up, but he's not yelling he is teaching and that is why this team is winning. I don't think they're that talented but the great coaching of hall of fame Phil Jackson and the leadership of Kobe they will get into the playoffs as well, and to me has a chance of going to the NBA Finals.

My outright winner of the NBA Title is the Suns. Putting together two 15+ Win streaks this season and scoring well over 100 just about every night these guys are the best team in the NBA. They're fast, high flying, and can buckle down and "D" if need be, but when you're putting up 110, 120 night in and night out, you don't need to so much! No defense in the NBA can slow this team down, if they stay healthy the Suns are your champs!

The East to me is weak. I like the Chicago Bulls, who are also full of youth with a leader in Ben Wallace, much like the LA LAKERS. I see this team getting into the playoffs but not much more. Ben Gordan is a stud and can take this team places, they're a sleeper and a team of the future if they stay together!

The Miami Heat, on paper, should be winning the championship AGAIN! With EVERYONE back they should be just as good, if not better than last season. But the Shaq injuries have proven to hurt the Heat. But I see this team getting to the "Ship" again this season IF they make into the playoffs. All Shaq needs to Dwayne Wade and the boys to keep him close and they'll get it done when it matters. It doesn't matter the seed as long as you're in! And Shaq knows how to get it done! I like the Heat from the East to Face the Suns from the West!

DO NOT COUNT ON THE WASHINGOTN WIZARDS! With Areanas and Jamison leading the squad, they're tough to beat in the East. But when they meet the Suns/Mav/Spurs from the West it's a different game!

My NBA Final Four....
Suns/Lakers
Heat/Wizards

Finals...
Suns/Heat

CHA MPS
SUNS lead by back to back to back MVP Steve Nash!

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