Southwest Division
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(in order of predicted finish)
New Orleans Hornets
Last season: 56-26, lost in Western semifinals
Coach: Byron Scott
Starting five: PG Chris Paul, SG Maurice Peterson, SF Peja Stojakovic, PF David West, C Tyson Chandler
Key additions: F-G James Posey, G Devin Brown
Key loss: G Jannero Pargo
Outlook: With the addition of Posey and Brown, the Hornets acquired championship experience that will aid them during the postseason . . . They have been working hard to improve defensively . . . Can they handle the pressure of being an NBA power now?
San Antonio Spurs
Last season: 56-26, lost in Western finals
Coach: Gregg Popovich
Starting five: PG Tony Parker, SG Michael Finley, SF Bruce Bowen, PF Tim Duncan, C Fabricio Oberto
Key additions: G George Hill, G Roger Mason
Key losses: G Brent Barry, F Robert Horry
Outlook: Not having star guard Manu Ginobili (ankle injury) until mid-December is a huge loss . . . Successful Spurs enjoy being under the radar, with the focus on Lakers, Hornets, and Rockets . . . Expect a well-rested Duncan to have another MVP-caliber season.
Houston Rockets
Last season: 55-27, lost in first round
Coach: Rick Adelman
Starting five: PG Rafer Alston, SG Tracy McGrady, SF Ron Artest, PF Luis Scola, C Yao Ming
Key additions: Artest, G-F Brent Barry
Key loss: C Dikembe Mutombo
Outlook: Say what you want about Artest, but if McGrady and Yao aren't healthy, the Rockets will not be a power as projected . . . The Rockets have a very deep bench with Barry, Shane Battier, Luther Head, Chuck Hayes, and Steve Francis . . . Battier will miss the beginning of the season with an injured foot.
Dallas Mavericks
Last season: 51-31, lost in first round
Coach: Rick Carlisle
Starting five: PG Jason Kidd, SG Antoine Wright, SF Josh Howard, PF Dirk Nowitzki, C Erick Dampier
Key additions: G-F Shawne Williams, G-F Gerald Green
Outlook: Don't sleep on the Mavericks; they are very talented, deep, and dangerous . . . Kidd should be better-suited to play like an All-Star after having a training camp with the Mavs . . . How will Howard respond to boos leaguewide and in his own arena after his offseason issues?
Memphis Grizzlies
Last season: 22-60, missed playoffs
Coach: Mark Iavaroni
Starting five: PG Mike Conley, SG O.J. Mayo, SF Rudy Gay, PF Hakim Warrick, C Marc Gasol
Key additions: Mayo, Gasol, G Marko Jaric, G-F Quinton Ross, F Antoine Walker, G Greg Buckner, F Darrell Arthur
Key loss: F Mike Miller
Outlook: Gay will show that he is a premier NBA player this season . . . Expect Gasol to be a surprising and solid center in his rookie season . . . Keep an eye on the athletic and talented Mayo.
Correction: Because of a reporting error, the first name of New Orleans Hornets player Morris Peterson was incorrect in the preview capsules for the NBA's Southwest Division in the Oct. 22 Sports section.
