Basketball is in the air. Let’s just take and minute and breath it all in.

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There we go. The NBA season is just under a week old but its starting to shape up to be a good one. Teams like the Lakers, Celtics and Magic have looked flawless, while early favorites like the Spurs and Cavaliers have already slipped. I find it funny that the Spurs can beat the Hornets (very badly) despite Timmy Duncan only scoring nine points and hauling in 12 boards, but the Spurs lose the next night to the Bulls (of all teams) when Duncan explodes for 28 points, 16 boards and three blocks. What gives? One things for sure, Tony Parker is not as good as people think and Manu Ginobili is through. The Cavaliers on the other hand are just not a very athletic team (outside of Lebron of course). Shaq and Big Z stand no chance matching up with teams that run pick and rolls with their bigs, and Mo Williams has (seemingly) taken a step back from his stellar season a year ago.

The big dogs led by the defending Champ Lakers, are all out for blood. If the Lakers, Magic and Celts can stay healthy there’s a chance all three will have well over 55 wins, maybe 60+. The Lakers’ young center Andrew Bynum has looked spectacular and could push for most improved player of the year if he can stay healthy. The big question on everyone’s mind is Ron Artest and can he keep his head in check. I think he will. Kobe will see to that. Artest may very well be legally insane but he will play nice for at least one title. (After this year, not a chance)

My come back kids this year is gonna be the OK City Thunder. This team has a chance to be good for a long time with youngsters like Durant, Westbrook, Green and Harden locked in. Westbrook may have had one of the most under the radar rookie seasons ever last year as he averaged right at 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The kid does have an issue with turnovers but that will heal with experience. Throw in a veteran center with upside like Nenad Kristic and you have a team that could challenge  the West bottom feeders for the eighth playoff spot.

Game of the Night:

Mavericks @ Lakers tonight on ESPN

While most are out partying, be sure to find a TV at the bar or the apartment with this game on. Should be an entertaining one. Pau Gasol is supposed to make his season debut tonight and Kobe always enjoys playing against Jason Kidd.

Next week we’ll have a better picture of who is on the right track and who needs a fine tuned adjustment.