With the Hornets current losing streak and their recent, lackluster play following the loss of Chris Paul, I ask you fellow sports fans, who's the favorite out west?

It seems the untested young guns from Portland are poised for a 2009 playoff appearance, but can they really win it all?

The Nuggets, a team that plays "D" as thin as the Rocky Mountain air, have struggled mightily in recent playoff appearances. But, now that they have a proven leader at point guard, can the combo of Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony get them out of the first round, and into the finals?

Will the Rockets equation of McGrady, Yao, and Artest equal the second round?

The Lakers are the defending champions out west; and they hold the best record in the conference.  But they don't play defense, and I'm not convinced they can win in San Antonio, are you?

That takes us to the Spurs (starring the big three...but we'll let Roger Mason take the last shot). We know they will make noise in the playoffs, but how much? The Hornets couldn't cash in on a 2-0 series lead, but it is 2009. Will the every-other-year pattern continue for San Antonio?

How about Phoenix, their longest playoff run in recent memory came without Stoudemire? Will the Suns rise in the valley this spring?

Will the Mavs, still hungover from that finals loss in 2006, try to make one more run with Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Dirk? Is "Big D" ready to make a run?

Can the Utah Jazz, a team that could beat anyone at home last season, find themselves and snag their first finals appearance since they took on MJ? Will they even make the postseason?

You be the judge.

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