Since I'm not a part of the mainstream media I can say what I truly think.  Note where I've put the Suns and Mavericks.  Enjoy.

1. San Antonio Spurs: Until somebody knocks them off the hill I have to put them here, although my heart says that they should be somewhere between 2-4.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Their big lineup is the best in the league.  Their bench is playing as good as anyone's.  This ranking is based on both Kobe Bryant's greatness but also the Scottie Pippen factor in that Gasol, Odom, and the rest of the supporting cast simply allow Kobe to dominate as Michael did.  They are the favorites in my gut right now.
3. Boston Celtics: Their big 3, Rajon Rondo, defense, and bench along with being in the East bode well.
4. Detroit Pistons: They're flying under the radar but the addition of their young players alongside their experienced starting five make them the San Antonio Spurs of the East.  Until the newly created Celtics knock them off I'm not entirely convinced that Boston can win.
5. New Orleans Hornets: Point guard play and athleticism put them this high, they lack experience though.  They keep winning games that they're not supposed to win, at home and away from home.  I feel like this is the team that the media can't catch up with.  Bravo to Chris Paul.
6. Utah Jazz: Their only weakness is not having a truly dominant big man.  However, Carlos Boozer and Deron Wiliams are as good as any 1-2 punch.  Ronnie Brewer and Milsap are the difference makers as they don't have any weak spots on the court.  They play well at home, play defense, shoot well, and the aforementioned 1-2 punch is nearly unstoppable.
7. Golden State Warriors: Baron Davis' point guard play and their depth offensively make them able to beat any team in the league.  They have trouble with quick "bigs" and their defense is suspect but don't count them out of any game. 
8. Denver Nuggets: The rumor is that they'll get Ron Artest.  If they do bump them up ahead of the Hornets.  Even if they don't they have had over a year to gel with Iverson and Melo is unstoppable.  If they get Nene back it will be a huge boost.  People don't recognize how much Camby dominates.  Their bench is a bit suspect but their superstar power can knock anyone off in the playoffs.
9. Houston Rockets: They've won 10 in a row and the addition of Bobby Jackson might unleash their offense, while their defense is solid.  McGrady is not a leader and neither is Yao, which may just be their undoing.  Like the rest of the west they have a solid supporting cast.  Defensively they are as tough as nails.  They don't play well at home though.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron is playing at an MVP level and Boobie just might loosen the floor enough for them to repeat in the East.  The wildcard is LeBron in the playoffs and they've proven themselves.  While this list accomodates the fact that they've got a better shot making the finals playing in the East, I can't rank them ahead of obviously better teams.
11. Phoenix Suns: Let me be the first to say it's over in Phoenix as I can't see them beating any of the teams ahead of them with the exception of Cleveland, but Cleveland has an easier path in the East.  Nash's defense is too suspect, Shaq might help but it's not enough.  Everyone improved too much around them.  I'll take criticism for this, but it's honestly how I feel.
12. Dallas Mavericks: The same thing happened to them as did Phoenix, everyone else got exponentially better while they're banking on Dirk.  Jason Kidd will help but they won't have enough athleticism to keep up with the West.  Watch for them to potentially miss the playoffs.
13. Orlando Magic: A dark horse in the East but a couple of upsets could land them in the finals where anything can happen.  Dwight Howard is as good as anyone and Rashard, Hedo, Jameer, and little known Maurice Evans have game.
14. Portland Trailblazers: They've been cold of late but you can't deny the young talent on this roster.  If they make the playoffs nobody will want to play them.  When Greg Oden arrives next year beware.
15. Toronto Raptors:  They're quietly playing well and have gone into places like Boston and pulled out victories.  They play very well at home which is a recipe for success in the playoffs.