East
1. New York Knicks
2. Indiana Pacers
3. Miami Heat
4. Boston Celtics
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
6. Washington Wizards
7. Chicago Bulls
8. Atlanta Hawks
9. Orlando Magic
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Brooklyn Nets
12. Philadelphia 76ers
13. Detroit Pistons
West
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Phoenix Suns
5. Golden State Warriors
6. San Antonio Spurs
7. Memphis Grizzlies
8. Houston Rockets
9. Portland Trailblazers
10. Dallas Mavericks
11. Denver Nuggets
12. Los Angeles Clippers
How the heck is Phoenix or Golden State meant to beat Dallas?!
Phoenix - I wrote about why I like the Phoenix Suns in the Pacific division thread.
Golden State
I think the Rajon Rondo, LaMarcus Aldridge and Roy Hibbert is quite strong. I love the backup guards - Lou Williams and Reggie Jackson. I think they have a lot of solid players in their supporting cast and bench (B.Rush, D.DeRozan, J.Thompson, Draymond Green). Not a fan of Bargnani. Ezeli and Udoh as third stringers.
Dallas
I find it tough to put much faith in Steve Nash at 39/40 years old. Eric Gordon has had a lot of injury problems. I saw them as two big question marks and with unreliable play from the backcourt ... I just wasn't confident in a Big Al/Deng/J.Smith trio leading this team to the playoffs in an incredibly tough Western Conference.
I can see why you like those teams, but I disagree with you vehemently.
And how are the lakers no.1?
The LA Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder are my two favourite teams in the West. I think they have some separation from the pack.
I am a big fan of Dirk Nowitzki + Marc Gasol combination. Dirk Nowitzki is still a matchup nightmare at PF. Marc Gasol is a very good interior defender, a top notch high post center and has a low post game to boot. I think those two create lots of advantages for LA.
I really like the wing defense with Quincy Pondexter, Wes Matthews and Mbah a Moute. Oh then there is Delfino as their fourth choice wing defender. They can all shoot the ball well from distance except for Mbah a Moute. Delfino and Wes Matthews bring some secondary ball-handling and passing.
I am big Jose Calderon fan. He does a terrific job running an offense. On a team like this with a scorer like Dirk Nowitzki and such a skilled center as Marc Gasol, I think Calderon is an excellent fit. A high level facilitator who rarely turns the ball, who consistently gets his team good to very good quality shot attempts and makes sure the ball goes where it is meant to go. Combine with the shooters and floor spacing on the wing with two of the most skilled big men in the league and I think LA have one of the most potent offenses in the league.
I really like the Lakers depth too. One of the best benches in the West. A very good backup PG in JJ Barea who can come in and make plays off the pick and roll. The backup wings I noted above. Ed Davis as backup PF. Then J.O'Neal as backup C who has good year for Phoenix in a similar role last season. Plus Kelly Olynyk and Jeremy Lamb as offense orientated third stringers.