Ash’s Western Conference Standings Predictions at Gambo & Ash

1. Dallas Mavericks - The Mavs are still stinging from their embarrassing loss in the first round of the playoffs to Golden State. The regular season will prove nothing to the critics as Dallas will have to win in the playoffs to erase that memory. They still win 64 games this year.

2. Phoenix Suns - Tim Donaghy you piece of *%$@. OK, maybe it’s not all his fault. David Stern you piece - you get the idea. The Suns got jobbed last year and look for redemption this year. The addition of Grant Hill was nice, now let’s hope coach D’Antoni doesn’t forget about his bench during the regular season. Suns win 60.

3. San Antonio Sterns – Err…the Spurs. I can’t even write anything nice about them, so if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Thanks Mom.

4. Denver Nuggets - A full year of A.I. and ‘Melo together and Kenyon Martin coming back into the mix. That’s nice and won’t be so nice for some of the teams in the West. Hey, it happened for the Rockies, why not the Nuggets?

5. Utah Jazz - Tough, physical team who made it to the Western Conference Finals last year. They need to keep a pacifier close for Kirilenko and everything should be fine.

6. Houston Rockets - If T-Mac stays healthy, this spot could be as high as No. 3 in the West, but I’m thinking that won’t happen. Is this finally Yao’s team?

7. Golden State Warriors - What a great run they gave us last year. Getting rid of Jason Richardson was not smart. Nellie’s back and so is the run and gun in the Bay area.

8. Memphis Grizzlies - There’s my shocker. I think Marc Iavoroni brings a fun style to a fun city and gets the Grizz back into the playoffs. Oh yeah, a healthy Pau Gasol will help.

9. New Orleans Hornets - The Hornets spent a lot of money last season and it didn’t work. I think this could be a playoff team this year if some of those busts turn into even decent players once again. Chris Paul is a star on the rise.

10. Los Angeles Lakers - I don’t think they make the playoffs with or without Kobe. I’m still guessing that he gets traded and it gets even worse in La La Land. How does Mitch Kupcake have a job?

11. Portland Trail Blazers - It’s too bad the Blazers made the wrong pick at No. 1. I said all along that Durant was the pick, but no one listens to me. The Blazers will still be improved as Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge lead this young team back to respectability.

12. Seattle Sonics - Sonics are on their way out of the Pacific Northwest, but they are on their way up with the addition of Kevin Durant. Too bad Oklahoma City will be reaping the benefits in a year!