Over, over, over. That was the theme of the Pacific Division in 2004-2005. Excluding the Clippers, the other four clubs went a combined 187-140-1 against the number. It's a run-and-gun group, and I expect a lot more high numbers in 2005-2006. But beware, because of the scoring success of this group, oddsmakers could overcompensate early with high numbers.

Much like the Northwest Division, this is a is an unpredictable lot. I think Golden State has the most potential to be that out-of-nowhere teams this season. However, the bookies set their win total as the same as the Lakers, so they wouldn't be that much of a surprise.

I think that the inconsistency that should pervade in this division - precipitated by Phoenix losing Amare Stoudamire (they went from "sure shot" to "maybe not" overnight) - has opened the door for a familiar face. I believe that Sacramento has retooled its roster and, health permitting, should come out on top in this division.

You'll notice below that I've given odds and a projection the teams in this division. Some of the teams have no Over/Under projection because they are too close to call, and I don't feel totally satisfied endorsing a play. I'm not discouraging a wager, but sometimes no advice is better than bad advice.

Here is one man's view of the Western Conference Pacific Division (in alpha order):

Golden State Warriors
2004 Record: 34-48 (4th)
2005 Title odds: 40/1
2005 Wins O/U: 41.5
2005 Wins Projection: Under
Key Additions: Ike Diogu, PF
Key Losses: None
Outlook: They absolutely stole Baron Davis in a trade with New Orleans last season, and finished 18-8 with him running the show. However, Davis is still injury prone and has the franchise's future resting on those knees. He's more experienced as a go-to scorer than Jason Richardson (21.7 ppg), and I think Richardson will thrive while having someone to take the pressure off. Troy Murphy was a nice surprise last season, averaging a double-double at 15.4-10.8 a night. They have a very weak bench, and that will hinder them. I would love to see the Warriors pick up someone that can run the floor, shift Murphy to center and become a fast break team.
Bottom line: While a lot of teams are one big-guy away from being a contender, I think the Warriors are a perimeter player away.

Los Angeles Clippers
2004 Record: 37-45 (3rd)
2005 Title odds: 55/1
2005 Wins O/U: 38.5
2005 Wins Projection: Under
Key Additions: Sam Cassell, PG; Cuttino Mobley, PG; Walter McCarty, SF
Key Losses: Marko Jaric, PG; Kerry Kittles, SG; Bobby Simmons, G
Outlook: On paper the names look nice, but these guys are still the Clippers. They lost their two best defenders (Simmons, Jaric) and should hit on a lot of Overs. I just don't understand going out and putting money down on Cuttino Mobley and Sam Cassell. These are two shoot-first guys that should be coming off the bench for contenders. Instead, they fit the Clippers mold: underachievers with just enough talent to tease a fan base and stay remotely competitive.
Bottom line: They had there best season in years in 2004-05 because they topped the Lakers. That isn't going to happen again this year.

Los Angeles Lakers
2004 Record: 34-48 (4th)
2005 Title odds: 35/1
2005 Wins O/U: 41.5
2005 Wins Projection: N/A
Key Additions: Phil Jackson, coach; Kwame Brown, SF; Aaron McKie, G
Key Losses: Caron Butler, SG; Brian Grant, PF
Outlook: Phil and Kobe reunited. There, I said it. Now on to the rest of the team. The roster around Kobe is still piecemeal at best. Kwame Brown could benefit from a change of scenery, but I just don't think he was ever any good to begin with. Luke Walton isn't a 30-35 minutes guy, Chris Mihm is harmless and Lamar Odom needs to prove that he's more than a good roto player. However, as much as I loathe Kobe, he's still a top-tier talent that can gun them into the postseason. I think they'll just miss, but if they could pull something big off (Paul Pierce, anyone?) this team could make a move.
Bottom line: Now we truly get to see what type of coach Phil Jackson is. He's always had the most talent. If he wins 50 with this group, I'll never doubt the Zen Master again.

Phoenix Suns
2004 Record: 62-20 (1st)
2005 Title odds: 10/1
2005 Wins O/U: 43.5
2005 Wins Projection: N/A
Key Additions: Raja Bell, G; Kurt Thomas, PF; James Jones, SF; Jimmy Jackson, SF; Brian Grant, PF; Boris Diaw, G
Key Losses: Quentin Richardson, SF; Joe Johnson, SG Outlook: I don't get it. I don't get it and I don't like it. They had an outstanding up-tempo team that could run circles around just about anyone. They had one of the league's best point guards. They had the one thing that the recent Dallas and Sacramento clubs didn't - a ferocious big man in the middle. They had it all. But instead they blow up the roster and build a more half-court oriented club. Huh? Stoudamire is out for four months, meaning unless this team plays out of its head they probably won't finish higher than fifth in the conference.
Bottom line: Hopefully their drop from Western Conference runner-up won't be as precipitous as Minnesota's, but the Suns will not be better this year with this roster.

Sacramento Kings
2004 Record: 50-32 (2nd)
2005 Title odds: 40/1
2005 Wins O/U: 49.5
2005 Wins Projection: Over
Key Additions: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, SF; Francisco Garcia, SF; Bonzi Wells, SF; Jason Hart, PG
Key Losses: Bobby Jackson, G; Cuttino Mobley, PG; Greg Ostertag, C
Outlook: They made some bold moves this offseason that could revitalize a franchise that appeared headed for a decline. Or the maneuvers could backfire and send them into the hole. Shareef and Bonzi give them two guys that can score in bursts, but neither has won anything - and I mean anything - in the NBA (don't underestimate that fact). However, mix them in with the Kings' outstanding nucleus of Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller and Sac Town could be in business. The trouble is that they don't have any energy guys or pure scorers coming off the bench that they can turn to for a spark.
Bottom line: This is an intriguing team. If Peja and Shareef stay healthy (remember, Abdur-Rahim was headed to the Nets but didn't pass his physical) they could be a surprise team in May.

Questions or comments for Robert? E-mail him at robert@docsports.com

The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of Doc's NBA picks service.

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