3. San Antonio Spurs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05NUEgQSM40 The last time the Spurs didn't make the NBA Playoffs, you have to go all the way back to 1996. Since then, San Antonio has found themselves on top of the Western Conference more times than not, behind one of the best big men of all-time, Tim Duncan. Duncan has won three championships with the Spurs, and came close to a fourth last season if not for this
last-second three from Ray Allen in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals. He has an all-star cast behind him in Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, but will that be enough to get them a rematch with the Heat?
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nDDKLbNZO4 Not if Kevin Durant and the Thunder have anything to say about it. He's put together a string of performances this month that's attracted the attention of every player in the league, Four 40+ point peformances while shooting 50% from the field for an average of 37.0 points per game. Durant can't do it all himself though, if Russell Westbrook returns in time for the playoffs, the Thunder offense will be rolling at full strength, and could find their way back into the Finals this year.