Tracy McGrady: With Shaq, Phoenix the Favorites in West

McGrady considers Phoenix the favorite in the Western Conference.

"It’s Shaq, just his presence," McGrady said when asked why before Friday’s game. "He’s still a force down there. There’s nobody in the West that can guard him. You add that with their shooters. Amaré (Stoudemire), he’s definitely benefiting from Shaq’s presence out there."

Houston coach Rick Adelman said he was surprised by the trade but not by O’Neal’s impact. [AZCentral.com]