This will be the last time that oddsmakers and fans alike forget to mention the New Orleans Hornets in the best of the best in the west.  This also marks the beginning of the end for the San Antonio Spurs, last year's NBA Champions. 

So what gives?  The Spurs are clearly not motivated to win during the regular season.  I cannot condemn them for saving their energy, but home-court advantage is clearly something to play for.  The only other alternative is that they simply have fallen off their game, which would be trouble enough and if I were a Spurs fan I would be hoping that they're simply slacking. 

On the other end you have the Hornets who with Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler may just have the most physically imposing 1-2 punch at PG & C.  David West is a monster, Peja stretches the D, Bobby Jackson plays the backup badass better than anyone, and Morris Peterson is everything a shooting guard should be.  This team hasn't gotten any respect but with this victory (and their recent hot streak) they've now entered the discussion that has previously been dominated by San Antonio, Dallas, and Phoenix.  Coach Phil Jackson recently commented on the Jim Rome Show that he believed the Hornets are the best team in the West.  PBS (Pro Basketball Scoop for those of you who don't know) is inclined to let things wait, but the smart money is that we'll be seeing them in the Finals as long as Chris Paul orchestrates the show.