The Western Conference has built a reputation for being more grueling than its counterpart, and the Spurs have battled through it for decades. But there are always a couple of surprises, and for the coming season, Portland and Utah look poised to make a little more noise than they're currently being given credit for. San Antonio will be the better team, no doubt, but Portland won't be a pushover. Against the Spurs, that's Devin Vassell's assignment, unless the Spurs decide to cross-match, which could lead to other issues. That starts with taking every team seriously, especially those flying under the radar.