Dallas at No. 7 looks vulnerable with it's awkward mix of Jason Kidd's running game and Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard's half-court attack. This squad just isn't on the same page, or even in the same library. Perhaps it's best for the Mavs, who don't do well as the favorites.

The X-factor—or S-factor—for the playoffs is the Suns and Shaquille O'Neal. They seem to be inching closer to having the playoff-type game they said they needed in trading for O'Neal. But it doesn't appear at times that even they know their identity.

The Suns have had problems with the Hornets all season, and one big issue the Suns continue to face is against the top young point guards. Chris Paul and Deron Williams have attacked Nash relentlessly, exposing the Suns' middle. O'Neal still doesn’t react quickly enough and Amare Stoudemire still concentrates too much on offense. How can he be averaging fewer than 10 rebounds?

Though Tony Parker is in that class, the Spurs' game is slower and the Suns have adjusted to packing it in against the Spurs and having success. The irony is now the Suns could have issues with the more open teams with Shawn Marion not there to defend perimeter players.

Houston is also a curiosity because the Rockets keep doing it and no one is quite sure how. They continue to be the best greater-than-the-sum-of-their parts team of the season with a hustling team defense. Unless they grab an exceptionally high seed, it's difficult to see them winning in the first round. Without Yao Ming, the Rockets play harder than most teams. But when the playoffs come and others raise their game, it's questionable if the Rockets can play any harder.

The Jazz gets a top four seed by winning the Northwest division and looks like one of the favorites to advance with it's home court edge. The other big first round question is the Hornets, who have stumbled of late as Chris Paul's shooting has diminished. With Paul taking on so much responsibility in their offense, it's no surprise to see teams attacking him on both ends and running him down. His and the team's late slide probably cost him his slim chance to win MVP and the experience question and lack of depth issue everyone had about the Hornets come playoff time will be on display. Let's get ready to stumble?

We've been waiting for this historic playoff season with perhaps no West team winning fewer than 50 games. We'll have to wait a few more games to determine even who has the early edge.

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