NBA Western Conference Predictions:
1. Golden State Warriors
The defending champs bring back all of their key players while also adding better pieces to their bench. This team should be even better in year 2 than they were last season.
2. Houston Rockets
The Rockets added PG Chris Paul in the offseason to pair with superstar James Harden. The Rockets can score, shoot the three and distribute the ball but, can they play defense?
3. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs didn’t change much other than adding Rudy Gay to the team. As long as Kawhi Leonard is healthy they can beat anyone.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder added Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to a roster that desperately needed help for Russell Westbrook. If they gel quicker this team could challenge for the 2 seed.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves traded for Jimmy Butler on draft night and now they have a big 3 of Butler, KAT and Wiggins. They are probably a year or two from really becoming a threat to Golden State.
6. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have a solid core to build around C Nikola Jokic. They will need at least two more years before they take the leap to the upper echelon of the Western Conference.
7. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers still have a solid team even after losing PG Chris Paul. If they stay healthy, especially Griffin, then they shouldn’t fall too far down the Conference.
8. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have the best frontcourt in the NBA. Its the rest of the roster that’s a problem.
9. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have some great players but they lack a 3rd star as well as having too much money invested in role players.
10. Utah Jazz
The Jazz will miss Hayward’s play immensely. This should still be a great defensive unit.
11. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are seeing the Grit and Grind era come to a close.
12. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Smith Jr so even if they aren’t very good, they should still be entertaining.
13. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have a better roster this season and some fun players to watch but they still aren’t very good.
14. Sacramento Kings
It appears that the Kings franchise may finally be figuring it out.
15. Phoenix Suns
This is not a good team. Booker, Jackson and Bledsoe are a nice trio though.
Playoff Predictions:
(1) Warriors over (8) Pelicans 4-0
(2) Rockets over (7) Clippers 4-1
(3) Spurs over (6) Nuggets 4-2
(4) Thunder over (5) Timberwolves 4-3
(1) Warriors over (4) Thunder 4-2
(2) Rockets over (3) Spurs 4-3
(1) Warriors over (2) Rockets 4-1
NBA Finals
(1) Warriors over (1) Cavaliers 4-1
Just Hoops 