Southwest

The Hornets' future is inextricably linked to that of Paul's, and it seems inevitable that he'll be dealt. Then New Orleans will be—like the post-LeBron Cavs—in full-on rebuilding mode.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (46--36)

What they've got

Momentum. The eighth-seeded Grizzlies' defeat of the top-seeded Spurs in the first round signaled the arrival of the playoff party crashers. The six-game upset, of course, took place with small forward Rudy Gay (19.8 ppg) watching with a left shoulder injury. Power forward Zach Randolph returns to extend his revival, as do lockdown perimeter defender Tony Allen and point guard Mike Conley.

What they need

Memphis is making it a priority to re-sign restricted free-agent center Marc Gasol, 26, who averaged a double double in the postseason. Priority No. 2: bringing back veteran small forward Shane Battier. Gay's return should be a boon to a team that gained valuable experience last spring, although he'll need to defend more to fit in with the team-first personality forged during the playoffs.

Bottom line

As if the Western Conference weren't stacked enough. The Grizzlies aren't going away anytime soon.

HOUSTON ROCKETS (43--39)

What they've got