Spurs won't get through the gauntlet unless Parker, Duncan and Ginobili ALL have abnormally healthy and productive seasons. I don't see it. Although, they've gotten more rest this offseason than they have in several years...
The Rockets have Tracy McGrady (i.e., no Finals for you!!). Seriously, even with Artest, the Rockets are a lot like the Spurs. Everything will have to come together perfectly (health, chemistry, a few lucky breaks, etc.) for the Rockets to survive. I wouldn't count on it happening. Between TMac's back, Yao's ankles (though I don't worry about him as much as some people) and Artest's volatility, there are too many things that could easily derail them.
I wanted to vote for the Jazz. They're consistently good - just not sure if they're going to be good enough.
The Lakers, unfortunately, will be in the mix. But I think Boston exposed a lot more about that team's weaknesses than most people are talking about. Odom and Gasol are soft, plain and simple. That won't change at this point in their careers. They are what they are. We proved that if you can slow down Kobe (which we absolutely accomplished), they don't have anyone mentally tough enough to carry them. Bynum will bring a more physical presence and that will help, but I don't see that young kid as having the testicular fortitude to carry the team when Kobe gets shut down. Also, I think there's a real possibility that Phil loses some credibility with the players after having been totally out-coached in the Finals - that'll be worth monitoring although it may not play out until the playoffs begin (which would be a bad time for a player mutiny).
I voted for the Hornets. They're young, confident, poised, well-coached and should only get better this year. Of all the Western teams last year, I think they really thought they could have and should have beat LA. Now that they've seen what Boston did, I think they have even more confidence in their abilities to take them down.