Article:Dallas Versus New Orleans: Who Will Win the Southwest???

In the NBA's Southwest Division in the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks, and New Orleans Hornets are now tied, both with 34-15 records. My question for you is "Who will win the Southwest???" As of February 10th, 2008, nearly halfway through the NBA regular season, there are 4 out of the 5 teams that have a shot at wining the Southwest. First, we've got the veteran Mavericks, led by one of the most powerful forwards in the game, Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 22.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.9 APG in 36.6 MIN per game this season. Next, we have possibly the hottest team in the NBA right now, which is led by first-time all-star PG, Chris Paul. Paul leads the hornets in PPG (20.4), and APG (10.9) in the 47 games he's started this season.

The defending NBA champion, San Antonio Spurs currently stand just 1 1/2 behind the Mavs, and Hornets, with a record of 32-16, and have veteran Tim Duncan at the helm. Duncan leads the Spurs in rebounds with 11.4, and averages 19.7 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.8 BLK's per game, and has started 44 of the Spurs games. The Spurs aren't the only team trying to catch the Mavs, and Hornets. Yao Ming, and his Houston Rockets are 4 1/2 games behind, with a record of 30-20. The 7'6'' center averages 22.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 2.5 APG in 49 games, and is on his way to yet another all-star appearance.

The ONLY Southwest team not in the hunt for a Division title is the 13-37 Memphis Grizzlies, who are currently 21 1/2 games behind. If the Grizzlies finish 3rd or better in the Southwest, I would....I don't know what I would do, I guess I would just be VERY surprised.

This Division is, by far, the strongest in the NBA. So, who do you guys think will win the Southwest??? My Prediction is as follows:

1. Hornets

2. Spurs

3. Mavs

4. Rockets

5. Grizzlies