Odds of winning it all ? 2-to-1

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2. Boston Celtics

The Skinny ? The Celtics aren't as deep as the other contenders, but the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Piece and Ray Allen has them atop the East again. One of the best defensive teams in the league, Boston holds its opponents to 92 points per game on 42 percent shooting, which keeps Boston in every game. They've lost only four times by more than 10 points. "People respect the fact we won last year, but that doesn't get us anywhere now." -- Celtics forward Paul Pierce

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Odds of winning it all ? 3-to-1

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3. San Antonio Spurs

The Skinny ? The Spurs started slowly because of injuries to Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, but they have again emerged as the Lakers' primary challenger in the West. Always good defensively because of Tim Duncan's presence near the basket, the Spurs have opened up the offense with the three-point shooting of Matt Bonner and Roger Mason.

"San Antonio is a team that's been around. ? They have the heart of a lion." -- Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan.

Odds of winning it all ? 4-to-1

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4. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Skinny ? The Cavs will go as far as LeBron James takes them, which could be all the way. Mo Williams has helped take some pressure off James, and the return of Delonte West from injury will help down the stretch. The Cavaliers play 10 of their next 14 games on the road, including once at Boston.

We just need to be healthy. If we are, we feel like we will beat anybody." -- Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams

Odds of winning it all ? 5-to-1

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Closing fast

Denver ? The addition of All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups has legitimized the Nuggets, who still must prove they can win a playoff series with Carmelo Anthony as the primary option on offense.

Portland ? Nobody expected the young Trail Blazers to be so good so soon, but Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge have them battling for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Alt Heads:

Spurs warmed up for another run

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