well, Utah got from the 2nd seed from the 5th seed just for losing against Houston, so I think this year the difference between the 2nd and the 6th seed are only going to be like 4-5 games. I think the rockets will get between 3rd and 5th seed.
I agree with you , with Yao back we will be much improved, BUT.....he isn't gonna be 100% yet , if ever ... Where I love love love the signing of Brad Miller, and the re signing of Kyle and Luis , I don't think we have enough star power to be a 1-4 in the Western Conference. Every team in the Western Conference from 1-4 has gotten better.. Lakers went out and got even more Defense. ...I agree with you, unless we can pull a trade off for another star player, we will be in the top 8 , but bottom half of the 8 sad to say ...