The Western Conference will be a free for all this year. The Lakers, Mavs, and Spurs and getting older. The Thunder and Grizzlies have dangerous teams that are complete top to bottom with youth and talent. And on top of everything, the Clippers now have Chris Paul! Predicting the Western Conference is difficult but one thing is for certain - a lot of teams will have a shot at the 1 seed this year.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (48-18)
Everyone is really hot on the Thunder this year. I believe they are going to have an excellent regular season. All of their youth will really help out in the shortened season. Durant can get points at any time. However, the playoffs might be a hurdle for the Thunder given Westbrookes proclivity for bad decision making in clutch situations.
2. Dallas Mavericks (47-19)
The defending champs get my vote for the number two record. They have the swagger now and the addition of Lamar Odom. However, the loss of Tyson Chandler knocks them down a peg. The Mavs will have a solid season again this year.
3. Memphis Grizzlies (46-20)
I am so pumped about the Grizzlies this year. The Western conference semi-finalists is back with all of its pieces, including a healthy Rudy Gay! The Arthur injury is a little worrisome, but the Grizz will continue to dominate the paint with the Z-Bo/Gasol combo. The draft picks are making this Grizz team seem even more appealing.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (44-22)
The Lakers are the Lakers, but they are getting older. Kobe knees, the trade of Odom, the lack of back court talent, and very little depth are all concerns. However, the twin towers in the middle can keep this team at a contending level. I see a trade of Gasol and Bynum for Dwight as a wash as far a talent and W/Ls are concerned.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (43-23)
The Clippers were a very good team before the Chris Paul trade. I believe they are about the same level with their current cast. The Clips gave up a ton for Paul. Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman will really help New Orleans. The holes in the roster leave an inexperienced team lead by an frequently injured Paul at the 5 spot.
6. San Antonio Spurs (39-27)
Tim Duncan is getting older. But this team still has talent and Popovich gets it done in the regular season.
7. Houston Rockets (37- 29)
Houston is routinely solid. This team has a lot of surprising good talent and good depth.
8. New Orleans Hornets (33-33)
I like the trade by Hornets and I am tempted to rank them higher. However, I think they are just barely slipping into the playoffs this year. Eric Gordon is going to boss peoples.
9. Denver Nuggets
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
11. Sacramento Kings
12. Portland Trailblazers
13. Utah Jazz
14. Phoenix Suns
15. Golden State Warriors
LETS GO GRIZZ!
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