Mike: In the playoffs they will. Let's move on to the Western Conference. You want to start with the Northwest?
Dennis: Haha. Go ahead, I know your Nuggets-loving self wants to speak on it. Preach on, preacher.
Mike: Watch out Utah, here comes Denver. People counted Denver out early, but you always have to remember that this is an 82 game season and teams can go hot and cold at any time. Just look at the Mavs. As long as Camby can stay healthy, the Nugs have a shot at the Western Conference championship. Write that down.
Dennis: Wow... you sound like a homer. Just kidding... sort of.
Mike: Haha.
Dennis: Okay, honestly, I have to agree with you about it being an 82 game season, but that's about it. If you're relying on Marcus Camby to stay healthy that's never a good bet. It's like telling the Blackjack dealer "hit" when you have a 20. What I do believe is that Carmelo Anthony has elevated his game to the point where he is a bonafide superstar on the court (he already has been off the court with merchandising, but I always thought he was more hype than actual talent). I believe in Melo now and he can take the Nuggets far. BUT, I think the Jazz are going to hold on and take the Northwest Division, I really do. Before the season, I would have said, for the Jazz to do major damage, Andrei Kirilenko needs to stay healthy. But, he hasn't (although he's back now) and guys like rookie Paul Milsap and veteran Matt Harpring stepped up big-time in AK47's place. I'm getting a feeling about the Jazz and it's a good one. Also, loving what Deron Williams has been doing on the hardwood. Okay, so your turn, I just know you have a retort in you.
Mike: Either way, I think it's going to be a good race to the top of the Northwest. And what about the two top teams in the Pacific?
Dennis: Well, both the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns (currently two games back) are rolling pretty well. Both are 8-2 in their last ten games with the Suns having a six-game winning streak going on. Steve Nash just does his MVP thing and Amare Stoudemire is looking like the "old" Amare. Seriously, his quick hops are back. As for the Lakers, they have to be concerned about Kobe Bryant's recent ankle sprain to some degree. If anything, just because hearing the words "Kobe" and "injury" makes Lakers fans hold their breath. But, he did come back to sit on the bench for the rest of the game, despite going out in the (third?) quarter. However, I think Suns are just too strong and will be blazing with the title when all is said and done.
Mike: I also see the Suns topping the Lakers for the division title and with the Clippers, Kings and even the Warriors in the same division it will an exciting one to watch all season. But I wouldn't say it's the toughest in the league. That honor belongs to the Southwest. The Mavs and Spurs are still amongst the best in the league and Houston is where everyone thought they'd be after T-Mac joined Yao.
Dennis: Yes, FINALLY, that teaming of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming is paying off dividends. And, all respects to the other centers out there, but Yao Ming is the best center in the game today. In any case, the Southwest is definitely the toughest division and let's not forget about the New Orleans Hornets who have been playing without Peja Stojakovic and David West, two of their best offensive players. Their five-game slide is showing the effects of those players not being in the lineup. But, when it comes down to it, it's going to be between the Mavericks and the Spurs, no question. The Mavs recently had their 12-game winning streak halted by Agent Zero, Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards, but the Mavs had to lose sometime. However, I really like the Spurs in that division and, in fact, think they'll win the whole enchilada.
Mike: And Im going with the Mavs. So there's only one thing to do in this situation... Make a little bet. You down, Dennis?
Dennis: Dude, I was born to be down! What's the terms of this wager?
Mike: Okay, the winner has to buy the loser their teams jersey. If you win, I get you a Duncan jersey and if I win you owe me a Dirk jersey. How does that sound?
Dennis: You ain't said nothing but a word. Okay, after a look at teams, how about players. I see your boy, Melo at the top of the scoring list, but can he hang on? I think he'll be up there, but eventually, it's going to be all about Kobe.
Mike: Melo will lead the league in scoring, no doubt about it. Iverson will finish in a close second, then Kobe.
Dennis: Oh, man. Can you hold on a minute?
I'm feeling...
... I don't know.
I think it's something called fan subjectivism.