2013-2014 Predictions: Southwest Division

It's day two of training camp, which means day two of predictions.

Today, it's the Southwest Division:


San Antonio Spurs

2012-2013 Record: 58-24

Head Coach: Gregg Popovich

Key Additions: Marco Belinelli

Prediction: 51-31

Scoop: America's most underrated team. How is it that no one ever picks them to make it deep into the playoffs? It will always be an unsolved mystery to me. Yes, Tim Duncan is 37. Yes, Manu Ginobili looks like he's on the decline. But they still have the best coach in the league, one of the best point guards in the league and a solid bench. Kawhi Leonard really opened a lot of eyes on a national stage during the Finals, and he will continue to improve this season. We've been awaiting the demise of the Spurs for what seems like the past four years, but yet they continually prove us wrong. Why should we expect anything different?


Houston Rockets

2012-2013 Record: 45-37

Head Coach: Kevin McHale

Key Additions: Dwight Howard, Aaron Brooks

Prediction: 54-28

Scoop: Let's face it: the Rockets offense is fine. They finished last year second in the league in points per game. Their big problem last year? Defense. They finished 28th in the league in points allowed. So what do they do to address the problem? They reeled in the biggest fish of the free agent pond in Dwight Howard. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is actually, and with a clean slate in Houston, Howard should return to player he was in Orlando. Houston's going to be good.


Memphis Grizzlies

2012-2013 Record: 56-26

Head Coach: David Joerger

Key Additions: Mike Miller

Prediction: 46-36

Scoop: Why is Lionel Hollins gone again? I don't even want to get started on that. I just don't see it with this Grizzlies team. They'll be O.K., but let's not forget their road to the Western Conference Finals. They played a Clipper team that had Chris Paul and Blake Griffin at a lot less 100%, and they faced the Thunder without Russell Westbrook. Don't get me wrong, they had the number one defense in the league last season, but Hollins had a lot to do with that.


Dallas Mavericks

2012-2013 Record: 41-41

Head Coach: Rick Carlisle

Key Additions: Monta Ellis, Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert

Prediction: 42-40

Scoop: After losing out on the big name free agents this offseason, Mark Cuban actually did a nice job of assembling a team that could contend for the playoffs. Ellis is a great compliment to Dirk Nowitzki. Dalembert will be fine at the center spot. I really like Calderon running the offense for this team. Dallas is going to be sneaky good this season.


New Orleans Pelicans

2012-2013 Record: 27-55

Head Coach: Monty Williams

Key Additions: Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday

Prediction: 36-46

Scoop: Although they traded away the best defensive prospect in the draft in Nerlens Noel, the Hornets Pelicans ended up doing alright in that deal, getting back an All Star point guard in Holiday. This team is slowly starting to stock up on young talent. The two keys for them this season? The development of Austin Rivers and Anthony Davis, and the health of Tyreke Evans. If both of these things play out positively, keep an eye out for the Pelicans.