Which NBA teams are contenders and which are pretenders?

In the west, it is loaded. In the east, I think only 2 teams have a real shot for the title. Orlando is good but can't beat Detroit or Boston. Who do you think are for real and who will collapse? In the west, I think only four teams will go to the finals: Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix, Los Angeles. NO is good but can't hang with those four in 7 games. All the Northwest teams will be beaten in the 1st round.

Which NBA teams are contenders and which are pretenders?nba jerseys

Contenders- Hornets, Spurs, Pistons, Celtics

Pretenders- Suns, Mavericks, Magic, LAKERS.

Which NBA teams are contenders and which are pretenders?nba 2k8 ,nba teams

Orlando might be the surprise in the East, they were the first team to beat Boston this year and they're only getting better. Maybe a minor trade might have a major impact.

In the west you're basically right, there it might come down to which teams stay healthy. If the big 4 loose one player, eg ginobili, odom,... NO, Utah, Denver could be a first round surprise, but no GSW story this year I think!
West Contenders

Lakers

Mavs

Spurs

Jazz

Hornets -one concern is they have no depth on the bench

East Contenders

Pistons

Celtics

Magic

East Pretenders

Cavs %26amp; every one else I just can't see them beating the Celtics Pistons or Magic last season was a fluke and know that have to beat more than one tough team to get to the finals

West Pretenders

Rockets- don't see them making the playoffs

Blazers-Just too young maybe when they get Oden and they have all there weapons

Suns- they were a contender but now with this stupid trade I can't see them getting past the second round

Nuggets- plays no defense at all although they can be a wildcard because A.I %26amp; Melo

Warriors- also plays no defense that's not can't beat the Lakers the Spurs or Jazz's with that style
contenders-lakers,hornets,mavs,spurs

prentenders-celtics,pacers,hawks,warri...
EAST

Contenders

Boston

Detroit

Pretenders

Orlando

Cleveland

West

Contenders

Spurs

Lakers

Mavs

Pretenders

Suns

Rockets

Nuggets

Jazz
pretenders: dallas their choke artists, Detroit is to old, Mcdyess Wallace, Rip, Billiups all over 30, and they were beat by a 20 year old last year. New Orleans, too inconsistent, no bench, but young and talented. San Antonio cant repeat so count them out. Lakers, Celtics, and Suns are the only contenders. Suns got rid of bad chemistry, brought in a 4 time champion, who will get healthy just like grant hill was able to do. Laker's have Kobe's leaderships and 2 very talented 7 footers. Boston has Allen, Pierce, and Garnett. They also have some very talented young players in Powe, Rondo, Tony Allen, Perkins, who have filled in nicely when the big three have been out.
pretenders- New Orleans and Golden State, Lakers(?)

contenders- Detroit and Sn Antonio

(?)- might be neither
all i know is that the knicks will never improve