NBA Western Conference preview L.A. CLIPPERS (53-29): Can't understand the preseason excitement about a team that never quite delivers. Hopelessly incompetent owner Vivek Ranadive not accountable for anything. SAN ANTONIO (67-15): Head coach Gregg Popovich calls the Warriors "an anomaly" in that nobody can match their small-ball game. Harrison Barnes fighting heavy skepticism as a go-to guy, which the Mavs want. Hope for the playoffs if Marc Gasol and Mike Conley somehow stay healthy. New head coach Dave Fizdale was once a Warriors assistant. HOUSTON (41-41): It's all up to James Harden, who says he wants to pass the ball (he's got the skills) and play defense. Chances of that over 82 games: none, assuming it's just an average club and vulnerable to malaise. NEW ORLEANS (30-52): Anthony Davis is hurt again (ankle), and that's a disturbing pattern. [...] though, this halfcourt offense is bound to stall. PORTLAND (44-38): Damian Lillard says he's too proud to join a "super team," and he has a dynamite partner in C.J.McCollum, but the Blazers need some work. Injuries to Favors and Gordon Hayward slowed the preseason buzz, but this team is a threat, having added Joe Johnson, Boris...