Southwest Division

1. SAN ANTONIO SPURS — It seems the Spurs will be title contenders until Tim Duncan’s retirement. This offseason, the Spurs got younger and more athletic, adding promising young rookie DeJuan Blair and star forward Richard Jefferson. The additions of Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff give the Spurs frontcourt depth, allowing them to rest Duncan for the playoffs. With Tony Parker at his peak and the return of Manu Ginobili from injury, the Spurs will win their division and challenge the Lakers in the West.

2. DALLAS MAVERICKS — Former MVP Dirk Nowitzki has led the Dallas Mavericks to nine straight 50-win seasons. Dallas will be looking to make it 10 straight this season while challenging their rivals, the Spurs, for the division. The team will likely change to a faster-paced style of play to emphasize their vast offensive talents. Future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, team leader Dirk Nowitzki and newly acquired Shawn Marion will thrive with the faster pace.

3. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS — After a disappointing 2008-09 season, the Hornets traded away center Tyson Chandler for center Emeka Okafor, one of the best defensive anchors in the league. This upgrade could prove to be the difference in the Hornets going from good defensive team (ninth in defensive rating last year) to an elite defensive team. Okafor’s offensive numbers should climb this season, playing with the best point guard in the league, Chris Paul. Health and stability at the wing positions are the keys for the Hornets if they want to get a top-four seed in the conference.

4. HOUSTON ROCKETS — Yes, superstar center Yao Ming is out for the year. And yes, oft-injured Tracy McGrady (aka T-Pain) won’t be back until around December. Don’t sleep on the Rockets, though. This is a tough team. Aaron Brooks will push the tempo with newly acquired, hyper-athletic forward Trevor Ariza on the wing. Shane Battier is arguably the best perimeter defender in the league and Luis Scola is extremely underrated. If they can hold the fort down until McGrady returns, they could challenge for a playoff spot.

5. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — What do you get when you put a bunch of isolation scorers who play no defense together? The Memphis Grizzlies. Allen Iverson is a former MVP. Zach Randolph is a 20-10 power forward. O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol are three budding stars. And the Memphis Grizzlies are doomed to the lottery this season.