2009-10 NBA Western Conference Playoff Team Predictions

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

With the 2009-10 NBA season getting started tomorrow night, and tons of new faces in new places, it's time to predict which teams will finish where at regular season's end.

As always, the Western Conference is expected to be ultra-competitive, with up to 11 teams having somewhat legitimate aspirations of appearing in the postseason.

Let's run down who I think will finish in the top eight.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Surprise!

While I don't think the Lakers did all that much to improve over the summer, they probably didn't really need to.

Ron Artest has the potential to be an upgrade over Trevor Ariza, but there's just as much potential for him to "go all Artest on them" and perhaps hinder the team's chemistry.

I think the Lakers' best offseason move was the decision to re-sign guard Shannon Brown.

Brown, a throw-in in the Vladimir Radmanovic trade last season, provided the Lakers with a great spark off the bench, especially throughout the playoffs.

I wouldn't be surprised if Brown shows enough this season to supplant Jordan Farmar as L.A.'s point guard of the future. 

Barring any major injuries, the Lakers will pick up right where they left off last season.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Apparently the first-round loss at the hands of the Mavericks was enough to get GM RC Buford to do some wheeling-and-dealing this summer.

The Spurs, believe it or not, could be the NBA's most improved team this season after picking up Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess, Theo Ratliff and DeJuan Blair during the offseason.

But the biggest change from last season to this one could be the return of Manu Ginobili.

Ginobili missed a huge chunk of last season with an ankle injury. It was clear how much San Antonio missed his perimeter-scoring presence.

Assuming they'll be able to stay relatively healthy, the Spurs are a team certainly capable of getting back into championship contention.

3. Denver Nuggets

I, for one, don't believe last year's Nuggets were a one-year-wonder.

While they certainly have a few volatile personalities, I think the taste of success last season along with solid veteran leaders should keep Denver focused on the ultimate goal.

The acquisition of Chauncey Billups last season was the best move any team made all year. His presence is one of the major reasons the Nuggets won't go away.

Carmelo Anthony is a bona fide superstar. His combination of size and strength makes him a near-impossible matchup for most small forwards.

The attitude and play of JR Smith, once again, will be a key to Denver's success.

If he can keep it together and harness all of his talent effectively, he's one of the most dangerous players in the league

He's a dead-eye shooter with the ability to take it to the rim, seemingly at will.

Last year's Nuggets proved that they were capable of big things and I expect them to continue that in 2009-10.

4. Dallas Mavericks

Much like their in-state rival, the Spurs, the Mavs were extremely active this summer.

While they didn't land prized center Marcin Gortat, Dallas was still able to re-sign Jason Kidd while picking up Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden, among others.

Dallas opened up some eyes in the playoffs last year when they defeated San Antonio. Mark Cuban clearly still wants to win a championship with Dirk Nowitzki as the team's centerpiece.

The 31-year-old Nowitzki had a stellar under-the-radar season last year, averaging 26 points and about eight rebounds per game for the Mavs.

Marion looked phenomenal in his preseason appearances with the Mavericks and their up-tempo style of play may be just what the doctor ordered for the Matrix to revive his career.

The addition of Gooden gives Dallas its first real post-scoring threat to pair with Dirk. He's another player that looked solid during the preseason.

Expectations are high once again for the Mavericks and I think they'll be right in the thick of things in the West.

5. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers have been hearing about how they're "the next big thing" for a while now and this will be an important year for them.

After their first taste of the playoffs last season (where they were defeated by Houston), how will Brandon Roy and company respond?

Much of Portland's success hinges on center Greg Oden.

Oden had a largely underwhelming "rookie" season last year, but has shown strong signs of promise so far in the preseason.

In seven preseason games, Oden averaged about 14 points, nine rebounds and almost two blocks in just 22 minutes per game.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?