Just perusing thru the standings and the stats I see some real surprises... and Now with Darko going to the magic well ...

So lets see at the break we got

Atlantic
New jersey leading the Atlantic by 3 games over Phila.. boston, toronto and NY Knicks all look like also rans!

Central
Detroit .. Detroit.. Detroit.. Home court advantage through out eastern conference playoffs is all but sewed up and that off/def.. WOW
Cleveland is 11 1/2 games back but still has the third best record in the conference
Indiana and Milwaukee is right on Lebrons tail

Southeast
Miami should easily capture the division with a 6 game lead over the Wizards..
The Wiz are solidly entrenched in second over Orlando, Atlanta and poor Charlotte.

if the Playoffs started today the seeding would look like this.

1. Detroit * div winner
2. Miami * div winner
3. New Jersey * div winner
4. Cleveland
5. Indiana
6. Washington
7. Milwaukee
8. Philadelphia

Some teams have a game in hand..

Presently I see nobody catching Detroit and I dont see any major moves by any team not on the list.. Boston, Toronto and the Bulls all look to need to make a major move to catch the 8th seed...

My early season prediction of another detroit final appearance looks safe!!

Now to the Western Conference where surprises abound

In the Northwest

Denver hits the break in first by 2 games over Utah...(did I just say Utah) and 4 games over Minnesota and surprisingly enough Utah or Minnesota doesnt even qualify for the 8th seed right now.. Ouch

In the Pacific

Phoenix has a 4 game lead over LA... OH My the LA Clippers!!

Phil/Kobe are at 500 and just barely squeak out the 8th seed but...

all the action is in the great Southwest
Where dallas and the Spurs take turns every other night holding down 1st place and there are two other playoff qualifiers there, OK City and Memphis .. and Houston which has been decimated by injuries all year is bringing up the rear..

If the Playoffs were to begin today itd look like this

1. Dallas * div winner
2. Phoenix * Div winner
3. Denver * div winner
4. San Antonio
5. LA Clippers
6. Ok City
7. memphis
8. La Lakers

Really the only teams not in contention in the west are Portland and Seattle!

Here what my fearless forecast sees.

San Antonio claims home court advantage thru playoffs..

and Houston squeezes past Lakers for 8th seed..

But dont count out jerry sloan and the Jazz or Baron davis and the warriors.. I think memphis could go into a tailspin as could OK city..

Now onto awards!!!

Mid Season awards!!!

Per ME!!!

MVP - After much deliberation I would say the player who makes his team the best is none other than King James and he will claim the MVP award this year based on a strong finish !!

Rookie of the Year..- Chris Paul so far... with deron Williams bringing home a close second...I think paul may tail off a little and Williams may lead a late utah Charge...

Coach of the Year - Avery Johnson of Dallas.. what a superb job he has done with a reworked team...

and now some fearless forecasting for the Playoffs and Finals...
Are ya Sitting Down!!

In the east!
Detroit, Miami, Cleveland and new Jersey advance in 1st round (all higher seeds) then onto the semis

Where..itll be
Detroit vs New Jersey..

and detroit goes to the Finals..


In the West.. Hold on to your seats here folks..

In first round
Dallas, Phoenix, The Clippers!! and Houston advance.. two major upsets
As the #8 Rockets knock off #1 San Antonio and the #6 Clippers send carmelo and the Nuggets Home

then onto the semis where it'll be

#2 Phoenix vs #4 Dallas

and Finally, Finally.. Cuban and the Boys reach the NBA Finals by knocking off the Suns in 7 of the best Games you'll ever want to watch!

NOW THE NBA FINALS FORECAST

Detroit vs Dallas

Im picking a Cuban Cigar for this celebration!!!

What are your thoughts and forecasts?

Just some of my thoughts on the western conference. The East is going to happen just as you predicted I think. But in the West here is what I think.
I think the Jazz will out play the Nuggets (It's only because I am from Utah!). I still think the team to beat in the West is the Spurs. Nothing against Dallas or anything, but SA has a much better, and deeper team. Dirk can only do so much. The biggest suprise in the playoffs will probably be the Clippers. Though they probably won't get past round 2. Anyway, that is my thoughts (And Prayers for Utah! LOL).