NBA: If the Playoffs Started Today

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Boston Celtics

3. Orlando Magic

4. Atlanta Hawks

5. Detroit Pistons

6. Miami Heat

7. Philadelphia 76's

8. Milwaukee Bucks

This year’s Eastern Conference should come down to the top three teams; Cavs, Celts, and Magic.

However, with Jameer Nelson's absence in Orlando, the Magic may need to make some significant changes. They wasted no time acquiring Tyronn Lue from the Milwaukee Bucks to be Nelson's replacement.

When it comes to the top two teams in the East, (Celtics and Cavs), no other team will come close to a record like theirs and no one in the East has the answer to them.

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Denver Nuggets

4. Portland Trail Blazers

5. New Orleans Hornets

6. Houston Rockets

7. Dallas Mavericks

8. Utah Jazz

Out of a strong Western Conference, I could see three teams emerge as the West-Coast champ.

The New Orleans Hornets may be slipping heading into the All-Star break, however, you never know what Chris Paul can accomplish heading into spring.

The Houston Rockets have set themselves up for an early exit from the playoffs once again. Some things never change.

The Los Angeles Lakers should remain consistent despite an injury to Andrew Bynum. Lamar Odom should fill his vacancy effectively and take his team into the playoffs as the one seed.

For the Spurs, the key to maintaining their success is to keep their stars healthy. Manu Ginobili will continue to come off the bench as a key go-to man and Duncan needs to play his minutes effectively.