With all the stars back from injury and healthy, the madness begins. Here are the culprits...

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Dallas - They made it look easy all season long, as the Mavericks set out to prove that last year was no fluke. Dirk Nowitzki played MVP-caliber ball all year but still has to prove that he can make free throws when it counts most. Defensive-minded Dallas has something to prove so we'll see, as they open up against a team they've lost to six out of their last seven games. Grade: A+

2. Phoenix - With the number-two seed already locked up, the Suns still played their starters deep into the 4th quarter in their loss to the Clippers this week. Something's telling me that Mike D'Antoni doesn't have too much confidence in his bench. The Suns' lack of depth may cost them against the deeper and bigger L.A. Lakers, especially if Kobe Bryant and co. can play defense the way they know they can. On the flip side, Phoenix can still score whenever they want to, with two-time MVP Steve Nash spearheading the attack. Grade: A-

3. San Antonio - The most battle-tested team in the playoffs is also the league's hottest since the All-Star break. You can't count them out because Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are as healthy as they've ever been, and Tony Parker had Eva Longoria to keep him well-oiled throughout the postseason. And we can't ever fail to mention Robert Horry, who is also on a mission of his own: ring #7. Grade: A

4. Utah - They surprised us all with a fast start to a turn-around season. They defeated Phoenix three out of four. They won 50 games. They overachieved once again under Jerry Sloan. They are as cohesive as any unit in the NBA, but their lack of a legit two-guard may cost them in the long run. T-Mac should have a huge series against the Jazz. Grade: B

5. Houston - If Yao never got hurt and missed all those games, he'd be in the running for MVP. If McGrady never had back spasms, he would be in the discussion for MVP. One thing is for sure. Jeff Van Gundy is a favorite for coach of the year. The Rockets can potentially go as far as the conference finals if they play consistent defense and pound the ball inside to Yao who, in turn, has to dominate. Grade: B+

6. Denver - The big question isn't whether Melo and AI can play together. The key to the Nuggets' playoff success depends heavily on the contributions of Marcus Camby and Nene. If they play big and stay out of foul trouble, they have a chance to extend the Spurs. But once they allow Duncan to own the paint, it'll be all over in five. Grade: B-

7. L.A. Lakers - Just another season in Tinseltown. Kobe won another scoring title and Phil Jackson was inducted into the HOF. Lamar Odom's son died unexpectedly, Kwame Brown threw a cake and got fined, Vladimir Radmanovic became known as Slalom after he decided to take up snowboarding and lied about it, rookie Jordan Farmar dispatched Smush from the starting PG position, and Luke SkyWalton was rumored to be linked to Britney Spears. The only story Lakers fans are really concerned about is whether the role players will be mentally prepared to butt heads with the fun-n-gun Suns. The roster is finally complete. L.A. has depth. The Lakers will be ready. Grade: B for Bryant

8. Golden State - If Nellie had never pulled off the trade that brought over Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson, maybe the Clippers would be playing Dallas. Instead, Nelson goes up against his former team with something to prove. Unfortunately, the Warriors' best big man happens to be  80-year old Adonal Foyle. Grade: C+

Please check out my Eastern Conference report card in a separate post coming soon to a blog near you...