Los Angeles - Preview capsules for Western Conference:San Antonio Spurs Last season: 54-28, lost to Dallas in first round Coach: Gregg Popovich (14th season with San Antonio)
Additions: F DeJuan Blair (draft), G-F Keith Bogans (free agent), F Richard Jefferson (trade with Milwaukee), F-C Antonio McDyess (free agent), C Theo Ratliff (free agent), F Marcus Haislip (free agent)
Subtractions: F Bruce Bowen, F-C Drew Gooden, C Fabricio Oberto, F-C Kurt Thomas, G-F Ime Udoka, G Jacque Vaughn
Projected starters: F Richard Jefferson, F Tim Duncan, C Matt Bonner, G Tony Parker, G Roger Mason
Outlook: Argentine ace Manu Ginobili (ankle) is healthy again, Jefferson adds another offensive threat and there is veteran frontcourt depth as the Spurs overhauled their roster, got a little younger and again are a threat to win the title.
Houston Rockets Last season: 53-29, lost to LA Lakers in conference semifinals Coach: Rick Adelman (3rd season with Houston)
Additions: F Trevor Ariza (free agent), G-F Chase Budinger (draft), F-C Pops Mensah-Bonsu (free agent), G Jermaine Taylor (draft)
Subtractions: F Ron Artest, G Von Wafer, C Dikembe Mutombo
Projected starters: F Trevor Ariza, F Luis Scola, C David Andersen, G Aaron Brooks, G Shane Battier
Outlook: Chinese superstar centre Yao Ming is out for season, recovering from a broken foot. High-scoring Tracy McGrady (microfracture surgery) won't be back until December. The Rockets will get off to a slow start but could round into playoff form by midseason if McGrady returns to form and Ariza can replace Artest.
Dallas Mavericks Last season: 50-32, lost to Denver in conference semifinals Coach: Rick Carlisle (2nd season with Dallas)
Additions: F Shawn Marion (trade with Toronto), F-C Drew Gooden (free agent), F Tim Thomas (free agent), G Quinton Ross (trade with Memphis), G Roddy Beaubois (draft)
Subtractions: F Brandon Bass, G Greg Buckner, G Antoine Wright, G Jerry Stackhouse, F Devean George
Projected starters: F Shawn Marion, F Dirk Nowitzki, C Erick Dampier, G Jason Kidd, G Josh Howard
Outlook: Nowitzki's greatness and some nice complementary pieces will keep them in the 50-win range. However, the Mavericks are teetering between experienced and old. If they find use for all the new pieces and remain experienced, they could reach the conference finals. If they cannot properly incorporate Marion, Gooden and Thomas and start to look old, they will bow out in the first round. more
