The Spurs might have the best record, but are they really the team to beat? Or are the Lakers still the NBA’s 800-pound gorilla? Do the Kings finally have what it takes to claim the throne?
Here then is how we see it heading into the playoffs. For fun (and as an acknowledgement to Pistons fans), we’ve listed each team’s preseason ranking (PR) as well. Let the real games begin.
| SI.com's Marty Burns |
|---|
| Rank |
PR |
|
Team |
| 1 |
1 |
 |
Los Angeles Lakers
Forget the regular season. They’re the champs until somebody proves otherwise. With a 35-14 record since Jan. 1, Shaq and Kobe appear primed for the Four-Peat. |
| 2 |
2 |
 |
Sacramento Kings
After 10 excruciating months, the wait is finally over. Give them credit for another terrific season, but does this talented group have the mental toughness to slay that Lakers dragon? |
| 3 |
4 |
 |
San Antonio Spurs
The NBA’s best during the regular season. With Tim Duncan and soon-to-be-retired David Robinson, they are a force inside. But second-year point guard Tony Parker is unproven in the playoffs. |
| 4 |
3 |
 |
Dallas Mavericks
For the second straight year they set a franchise record for wins in a season. But their lack of success against the NBA’s elite – and a late fade – indicates they’re not yet ready for prime time. |
| 5 |
5 |
 |
New Jersey Nets
Last year’s Eastern Conference champs finished just a shade off their 52-win season of a year ago. With Jason Kidd, they have to be favored again. But Dikembe Mutombo must become a factor. |
| 6 |
21 |
 |
Detroit Pistons
Mea culpa. We thought they would miss Jerry Stackhouse’s scoring and ability to get to the foul line. If Ben Wallace makes it back, there is no reason they can’t make it to the Finals. |
| 7 |
7 |
 |
Portland Trail Blazers
Another 50-win season and a 21st straight playoff appearance, second all-time in NBA history. Unfortunately, another year of turmoil, arrests and intramural fighting. But if they put it together ... |
| 8 |
13 |
 |
Indiana Pacers
Perhaps the East’s deepest squad, they took a big step toward becoming a contender in ‘02-03. If Ron Artest keeps his cool and Jamaal Tinsley can make some shots, they could be there at the end. |
| 9 |
8 |
 |
Philadelphia 76ers
After a slow start, they got hot down the stretch to rekindle memories of their 2001 Finals team. With Allen Iverson and a solid cast of role players, they can’t be counted out. |
| 10 |
11 |
 |
Minnesota Timberwolves
Once again Kevin Garnett and coach Flip Saunders got them to another 50-win season. If they can they snap that six-year streak of first-round playoff exits, the season will be a success. |
| 11 |
6 |
 |
New Orleans Hornets
Injuries to Baron Davis hurt their overall record, but their debut season in New Orleans was a good one. With Davis and Jamal Mashburn, and decent big men, they are a dangerous playoff foe. |
| 12 |
15 |
 |
Utah Jazz
Despite new starters in Matt Harpring and Calbert Cheaney, they managed to improve from a year ago. Still, their age and lack of depth make them a longshot to go beyond the second round. |
| 13 |
14 |
 |
Orlando Magic
Once again they lost Grant Hill. And once again Tracy McGrady put them on his shoulders and carried them to the playoffs. Unfortunately, T-Mac can’t do it alone in the playoffs. |
| 14 |
9 |
 |
Boston Celtics
Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker tried again to do it all, but they couldn’t duplicate last season’s regular-season magic. It didn’t help that Kenny Anderson was no longer around to run the show. |
| 15 |
22 |
 |
Phoenix Suns
Thanks in part to rookie Amare Stoudemire, they were one of the surprise teams of the season. Meanwhile, Stephon Marbury proved last year’s Kidd trade wasn’t so one-sided after all. |
| 16 |
12 |
 |
Milwaukee Bucks
Not even a blockbuster deal for Gary Payton could shake them out of their up-and-down routine. After last year’s debacle, the heat is on coach George Karl for a successful playoff run in ’03. |
| 17 |
18 |
 |
Houston Rockets
With Yao Ming and a healthy Steve Francis, they improved dramatically over last season. However, the absence of coach Rudy Tomjanovich (bladder cancer) was part of a disappointing fade. |
| 18 |
20 |
 |
Seattle SuperSonics
Amid the uncertainty over Payton’s future much of the season, they slipped a bit from a year ago. But Ray Allen’s arrival helped provide a late spark that bodes well for the future. |
| 19 |
27 |
 |
Golden State Warriors
The NBA’s most improved team, they enjoyed their best season since 1993-94. New coach Eric Musselman even had them in playoff contention until the final weeks of the campaign. |
| 20 |
10 |
 |
Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan managed to make it through the whole season this time, but he still couldn’t lift them to the playoffs. At least His Airness made them respectable again during his two seasons. |
| 21 |
24 |
 |
New York Knicks
Their season effectively ended before it began when Latrell Sprewell showed up with a broken hand and Antonio McDyess blew out his knee again. Still, they fought back to make it respectable. |
| 22 |
17 |
 |
Atlanta Hawks
One of the NBA’s biggest disappointments, they just never put it together and broke a playoff guarantee to fans. Coach Lon Kruger and GM Pete Babcock paid for it by losing their jobs. |
| 23 |
26 |
 |
Chicago Bulls
Jay Williams wasn’t ready, and their preseason playoff talk proved way too optimistic. But a winning home record – and the resignation of GM Jerry Krause – seem to promise brighter days ahead. |
| 24 |
25 |
 |
Memphis Grizzlies
In his first season, GM Jerry West fired coach Sidney Lowe, replaced him with Hubie Brown and traded top pick Drew Gooden. In the end, they set a franchise record for wins in a season. |
| 25 |
19 |
 |
Los Angeles Clippers
Picked by many to make the playoffs, they fell apart amid injuries and selfish play. Coach Alvin Gentry got the boot, but owner Donald Sterling took the heat for failing to pay his top players. |
| 26 |
23 |
 |
Miami Heat
With Alonzo Mourning once again sidelined by kidney disease, they once again had no chance. Rookie Caron Butler showed promise, but he was about the only bright spot for Pat Riley. |
| 27 |
16 |
 |
Toronto Raptors
Vince Carter got hurt again, but this time they weren’t able to rally to make the playoffs. Coach Lenny Wilkens became the losingest coach in NBA history, and his days in Toronto appear numbered. |
| 28 |
29 |
 |
Denver Nuggets
Marcus Camby got hurt and rookie Nikoloz Tskitishvili was a bust, but new coach Jeff Bzdelik at least got them to play hard. With loads of cap room this summer, help is on the way. |
| 29 |
28 |
 |
Cleveland Cavaliers
John Lucas got fired. Ricky Davis acted up. Bimbo Coles accused them of tanking. But they avoided a franchise record for losses and got what their fans wanted: the best odds at landing LeBron. |
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