They'll play at Radio City Music Hall and break for the Olympics before we know which eight teams will reach the playoffs and which players will take home the hardware in 2004. For now, our preseason predictions for how this summer will shape up:

WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS

Los Angeles: The one thing that held the Sparks back last year is no longer a concern. They went from having no post depth to their deepest bench in franchise history. L.A. has tremendous shooters, great passers, the best center in the world ... and plenty of motivation after being denied a threepeat. Sacramento: The Monarchs have all the ingredients to be a contender. If they can get that pure shooter, someone who can consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc and in, watch out. Seattle: The Storm live and die by Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird, who need to have even better seasons than a year ago -- and get a lot more support from their surrounding cast. Houston: Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson are savvy veterans and remain two of the best players in this league ever. The two keys are Michelle Snow's continued improvement and chemistry with a new backcourt. Who advances to WNBA Finals? Los Angeles ... which will then beat Detroit to recapture the league championship.

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS

Detroit: With every starter back from last season's championship team, there's nothing that should stop the Shock from winning the East again. Yes, Detroit lost Kedra Holland-Corn, who was vital off the bench last season. But in rookie Chandi Jones, they gained a very similar -- and younger -- version. Charlotte: Motivation? The Sting have it. After going 4-0 against Detroit last season, Charlotte was upset in the first round of the playoffs. This is already an excellent, well-coached group of veterans. Now they're hungry and have plenty to prove. Washington: The Mystics have one of the league's best players in Chamique Holdsclaw, addressed their post needs by adding Chasity Melvin and Kaayla Chones, and added more depth in the backcourt in Alana Beard, who can play the 1 or 2 and gives Washington the flexibility to go with a big lineup. New York: The Liberty probably have more question marks than the other playoff favorites. Who will provide the leadership with Teresa Weatherspoon gone? New York will be strong on the perimeter and could be good inside, but will the Liberty be physical enough inside now that Tamika Whitmore is gone, too? Still, it's hard to think two years will go by without New York in the playoffs. This team will tighten it up defensively and get a lot out of rookie Shameka Christon. Who advances to WNBA Finals? Detroit. But unlike Houston and Los Angeles, these former champions might not pull off the repeat.

END-OF-YEAR AWARDS

A look at how some of the major awards might shape up: MVP: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles: The Sparks center just gets better every year, and not by mistake or luck. She trains incredibly hard and remains focused year-round. Leslie can dominate inside or go out and hit a 3-pointer, taking over a game by herself. But the best part is that few players can be the type of leader she is from the post position. Leslie's the definition of everything you'd want in a post player, and might go down as the greatest post in the history of the game. Rookie of Year: Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury As expected, both Taurasi and Alana Beard should have exceptional rookie seasons and make a smooth transition to the pro level. They will play major minutes and be major factors for their teams. And Beard might still be playing in the postseason, unlike Phoenix. But Taurasi has a confidence few can match, and that mental edge or demeanor sets her apart once again. She will not have any problem attaining her goals and helping get the Mercury turned around. Most Improved Player: Cheryl Ford, Detroit Shock Yes, we know she had more double-doubles than anyone else in the league last season, and that's why it's easy to overlook all that Ford has added to her game offensively. Last season, she was a defensive rebounding specialist, but this season she should be regarded as one of the Shock's main offensive options. She has worked hard on her footwork and low-post moves, and is starting to use her left hand more often when she's on the left side of the floor. Another possibility for this award is L.A.'s Mwadi Mabika. She was hampered by injury and fatigue last season and, by her standards, had a subpar season as her scoring average dipped three points. But Mabika is a tremendous player and I love everything about her game and work ethic.

Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.