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1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Thunder
4. Clippers
5. Grizzlies
6. Rockets
7. Pelicans
8. Jazz
I wouldn't be surprised if no top Western team crack 60 wins or only one does it..Not only that the West got tougher, but also some Eastern teams will no longer be the doormats the were at one point or another last season: Heat/Indiana/Detroit and even the Cavs (early on and when Lebron was out) were actually a gimme type of games even on their homecourt..
1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Thunder
4. Clippers
5. Grizzlies
6. Rockets
7. Pelicans
8. Jazz
Spurs and Warriors both win 60 games easily. Either or can top the West at the end of the RS. Idk about the other teams. But I think a lot of people are overrating the Thunder, and I love Durant and RWB.
The thing about the West is while I agree with the OP that the Dubs and Spurs are definitely the top 2 favorites, the difference between 3-6 (just like last year) is razor thin. After the Lawson acquisition, I'd put the Rockets ahead of the Grizz. Grizz are really tough, but in today's league, you need some firepower on the perimeter at the 2 or 3, and while Conley is very good, he is not an elite point guard and isn't good enough to carry an average starting 2 and 3 in T. Allen and C. Lee. That's what really hurts the Grizz. The difference between the Clips, OKC, and Houston is so thin and close that it's almost negligible. Those 3 teams can beat each other if one of them has even 1 injury, or something like that. And while Spurs and Dubs are a tier ahead of those 3 teams, if they have an injury or two, OKC/Clips/Rox are capable of taking them out, wouldn't surprise me.The West is just a bloodbath, gonna be a fun season
I hope we tank. We need a high lottery pick.
I agree. But, what about the Clippers? You think they can get a top 3 (maybe even top 2) spot? I certainly think they can...
The Rockets will finish with a better regular season record than the Grizzlies. Of that I am certain. Their style of play is best suited for regular season basketball. I also have no doubt that the Grizzlies would absolutely prison rape the Rockets in a playoff series, regardless of seeding.
1) GSW
2) LAC
3) Rockets
4) Spurs
5) Memphis
6) Thunder
7) Jazz
8) Pelicans
9) LAL
10) Wolves
11) Mavs
12) Suns
13) Blazers
14) Kings
15) Nuggets
I am actually pretty high on the Wolves, they have good youth at the wings on inside, and can actually just go all out and try to play it out and learn. They could click at the 2nd half of the year
Kings could be good, but too dysfunctional
Jazz got good pieces, if they can learn to score, it would be great. Golbert is great defensively, but his offense could be comparatively easily contained, and really kills their spacing. He defends the other team and his own team at the same time.
Pelicans is Unibrow and no one else. Coaching is horrible, just a waste of Davis' prime
Lakers are the real deal, I am putting them 9th as I am somehow a Laker-hater, but in reality, it would be a massive failure if they miss the playoffs this year. I wasn't really sold on them early, but the amazing analysis by KoolAidMan and Buddy Mignon just sold it for me. You are talking about a once in a generation type talent in Kobe, sure bet 2nd pick, and crazy talent like Randle.
Blazers aren't really that bad, but they should make themselves that bad so that they can get high picks.
Suns is back to the hinterlands.
I am probably putting the Mavs a little too high, but I have a lot of faith in Carlisle.
6
The le is the Clippers to lose. Lakers will grab the 7th seed if healthy, but health to this team seems far fetched these days. Spurs will come up short once again. That guard core is hurting.
How has that worked out in the past?
Well enough to beat the Rockets in a playoff series.
Why can't they? I'm guessing you have GS, SA, and OKC in some order as 1-3...
Honestly, I can't imagine them finishing any lower than fourth. Any with any bad luck to one of those 3 teams....they will finish with a top 3 record.
Where do you see the Clippers finishing? 5th? 6th?
1. Spurs or Warriors
2. Rockets
3. Spurs or Warriors
The West will be tougher just by the default of the Thunder, presumably, getting healthy though the Blazers may backslide. If the Mavs somehow stay compe ive and if the Pelicans keep improving then 1-8 will be really tough to gage.
I am not entirely sold on the Thunder.
Durant's recovery is still in the air. Ibaka most certainly regressed. Westbrook is chucking more than usual. Their bench is getting worse and worse by the day.
If everything clicks, I can see OKC making the 2nd round. If anything happens, they will be knocked out in the first, or miss the playoffs entirely.
Don't sleep on my Suns, sons.
Their offseason: Addition by subtraction, and, addition by addition.
They'll be decent, and they'll be in the playoffs.
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