After finishing with the Southeastern, Central, and Atlantic divisions, I figured I should push on and complete the Western Conference divisions.

Watch out for that first step...

Players to watch for:  Chris Andersen, Ronnie Brewer, Russell Westbrook, Mike Miller, Kevin Love, and Greg Oden's injury status.

*  Utah Jazz (54-28) - Jerry Sloan is about as good a coach as they come.  He runs a tight ship, doesn't put up with crap, and looks fairly capable of putting the smack down on anyone on his team.  He will keep this team going at a steady pace.  They are hardly flashy, but do what they are supposed to do...win.  Prediction:  2nd round of playoffs.

*  Denver Nuggets (44-38) - Not really sure what this organization is doing.  With just Iverson and Carmelo, this team can win, but what happens if one of them struggles?  Not a whole lot of help coming from the other players on the squad other than Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith.  I think Smith will set a new record for "shot attempts per 48", if that is even a stat.  Oh, and THE BIRDMAN IS BACK!  Prediction:  1st round exit.

*  Portland Trailblazers (43-39) - I like the youth, but with youth comes inexperience and in this deep West, they will take their lumps again this season.  If Greg Oden can stay healthy (doesn't look like it), then LaMarcus Aldridge and Oden could make a duo to rival David Robinson and Tim Duncan.  Prediction:  Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez get caught smuggling drugs into the country and the Jailblazers are back!!

*  Minnesota Timberwolves (30-52) - After Kevin McHale gave Boston the NBA title last season, he actually went out and drafted someone that could be a beast.  Then, he went and got rid of both Marko Jaric AND Antoine Walker, while picking up Mike Miller....IN THE SAME TRADE!  I like the additions and subtractions, but this team is still a couple years away from getting back to the playoffs I feel.  Prediction:  Kevin Love makes 10 full court shots in one game.

*  Oklahoma City Thunder (18-64) - OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA!!!  Ah, nothing like a good Dirty Rotten Scoundrels reference early in the morning.  Prediction:  Russell Westbrook will piss Kevin Durant off for stealing his "Thunder."