They also fear the possibility of Houston joining an Eastern Conference contender for a minimum salary, then becoming a key contributor.

He was a key player in the Thunder's emergence as a Western Conference contender.

He used trap doors and long sleeves, whatever it took, to make his team materialize as an Eastern Conference contender.

But I know that would definitely be an Eastern Conference contender, a team that could make a good stand in the playoffs, if everybody was healthy.

Western Conference contenders fall into two disparate categories.

The victory should not be blown out of proportion, as Seattle (19-20) is no longer the perennial Western Conference contender it once was.

That gives him clout on a young Nets team eager to emerge as an Eastern Conference contender this year.

This was the second exhibition game for both teams and the second victory for the Giants over an American Conference contender.

A victory over Houston would enhance the Jets' appearance and stature as an American Conference contender.

The crowd of 12,262 watched the Monarchs, a Western Conference contender, raise their record to 2-0.