Just like recent former years, the big teams are in the West, making teams like Golden State at .595 not able to make it into the top eight.
Holding on strong at the top is New Orleans. The dynamic and young team lead by No. 3, Chris Paul has recovered nicely since Hurricane Katrina caused them to have to play in Oklahoma. Now they are a force in the West with a record of 55-24 and being carried by Paul, David West, Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler.
In the East Boston is at the top, as has been the case for the majority of the season. The teams leader is veteran Kevin Garnett. While making it to the second round of the play-offs seems like a given, none of the stars on the team have much experience at higher levels of competition. Garnett has only made it past the second round once in his almost 13 year career. His lack of experience in that environment may cause him and his team to choke thus allowing second seeded Detroit to cruise to a Eastern championship.
The Raptors though, currently at 7th seed, may have the horrible deed of trying to knock off Detroit to advance to the second round. If they go up to 6th seed they can try their luck with Orlando.
Meanwhile look out for the Spurs to fight to win back to back rings. Will they begin a dynasty like the Lakers did in 2000-2002? Too soon to tell but with their play-off experience it is expected that they will go far and will probably win it all again.
Honorable mentions go to Houston for a fantastic 22-0 run and to the Lakers who have pull themselves back to a respectable standing in the West. Also to Orlando and Philly for pulling themselves to the top half of the Eastern Division standings.
