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1. Denver
2. Clippers
3. Rockets
4. Lakers
5. Blazers
6. Jazz
7. Suns
8. Warriors

Not confident in the seeding but I believe those are the western conference playoff teams. I think suns can fall anywhere from 6-8

Created a thread for playoff predictions - LF22

alamin330 wrote:1. Denver
2. Clippers
3. Rockets
4. Lakers
5. Blazers
6. Jazz
7. Suns
8. Warriors

Not confident in the seeding but I believe those are the western conference playoff teams. I think suns can fall anywhere from 6-8

I think you have to include the Spurs on the list. They have a good lineup and Pop is a maestro.

1. Denver = lock
2. Clippers = lock
3. Rockets = lock

Spurs - 75%+ chance. Murray is back. Pop is Pop
Lakers - 50/50. AD gets hurt, they have no chance
Blazers - 50/50. Good coaching staff but they lost a ton of high impact players. Nurkic is arguably their second best player
Jazz - 50/50. Conley gets hurt, their chance nose-dive. Favors loss is under-estimated
Warrors - 50/50. Curry is 31y and his load is going to be huge. Injury risk and a terrible backcourt defensively is going to be trouble for them.

Side note: When Monty was asked by DA's 3 point shooting, he mentioned that if you're going to be good at it in the PLAYOFF, you need to start shooting it now (practice and game). I think Monty secretly thinks this team can make the top 8.

GoodBehavior wrote:

alamin330 wrote:1. Denver
2. Clippers
3. Rockets
4. Lakers
5. Blazers
6. Jazz
7. Suns
8. Warriors

Not confident in the seeding but I believe those are the western conference playoff teams. I think suns can fall anywhere from 6-8

I think you have to include the Spurs on the list. They have a good lineup and Pop is a maestro.

1. Denver = lock
2. Clippers = lock
3. Rockets = lock

Spurs - 75%+ chance. Murray is back. Pop is Pop
Lakers - 50/50. AD gets hurt, they have no chance
Blazers - 50/50. Good coaching staff but they lost a ton of high impact players. Nurkic is arguably their second best player
Jazz - 50/50. Conley gets hurt, their chance nose-dive. Favors loss is under-estimated
Warrors - 50/50. Curry is 31y and his load is going to be huge. Injury risk and a terrible backcourt defensively is going to be trouble for them.

Side note: When Monty was asked by DA's 3 point shooting, he mentioned that if you're going to be good at it in the PLAYOFF, you need to start shooting it now (practice and game). I think Monty secretly thinks this team can make the top 8.

I think it will be close between spurs and warriors. I think youth will win out. I just think the spurs are done. As good as Pop is, the west is tough. His best players don’t have heart. Derozan Aldridge. Those guys could never lead their teams when they were the primary options. I also don’t think the Jazz are as good as people think. They might miss the playoffs as well. I don’t think Conley is better than Rubio at all.

GoodBehavior wrote:

alamin330 wrote:1. Denver
2. Clippers
3. Rockets
4. Lakers
5. Blazers
6. Jazz
7. Suns
8. Warriors

Not confident in the seeding but I believe those are the western conference playoff teams. I think suns can fall anywhere from 6-8

I think you have to include the Spurs on the list. They have a good lineup and Pop is a maestro.

1. Denver = lock
2. Clippers = lock
3. Rockets = lock

Spurs - 75%+ chance. Murray is back. Pop is Pop
Lakers - 50/50. AD gets hurt, they have no chance
Blazers - 50/50. Good coaching staff but they lost a ton of high impact players. Nurkic is arguably their second best player
Jazz - 50/50. Conley gets hurt, their chance nose-dive. Favors loss is under-estimated
Warrors - 50/50. Curry is 31y and his load is going to be huge. Injury risk and a terrible backcourt defensively is going to be trouble for them.

Side note: When Monty was asked by DA's 3 point shooting, he mentioned that if you're going to be good at it in the PLAYOFF, you need to start shooting it now (practice and game). I think Monty secretly thinks this team can make the top 8.

I think Jazz are a lock as well. Same with Lakers, but of course an injury to LeBron or AD would kill their chances but same goes for any of the top teams (Jokic, Harden, Kawhi, etc)

I'd put the Warriors as pretty close to a lock too unless they have more injuries, and they will be as tough as anyone when Klay returns.

That is six with your locks and mine. Spurs will be better as you mention with Murray, but they will be more borderline with a bunch of teams like the Blazers. I will be interested to see how good the Pelicans are. They have a lot of depth at guard. Even if you just think of Jrue and Redick, that's a very nice combo, but they have Ball and Josh Hart, Frank Jackson who was good last year, and their rookie NAW and Etwaun Moore..that's a lot of depth.

They are a little thin up front and it will depend on whether Ingram is healthy and how good he is, but Favors probably starts at C next to Zion....they will at a minimum be interesting.

Will probably play small a lot with Zion OR Favors at C and maybe Ingram as a small PF and Ball, Jrue, Redick or something. Between Ball, Jrue, Zion and Favors they have some good defenders.

Kings should be competitive again too. Don't see a reason they should be worse (maybe record wise due to how tough top of west is but they shouldn't be a worse basketball team).

Lillard will probably will the Blazers in though.

GoodBehavior wrote:

alamin330 wrote:1. Denver
2. Clippers
3. Rockets
4. Lakers
5. Blazers
6. Jazz
7. Suns
8. Warriors

Not confident in the seeding but I believe those are the western conference playoff teams. I think suns can fall anywhere from 6-8

I think you have to include the Spurs on the list. They have a good lineup and Pop is a maestro.

1. Denver = lock
2. Clippers = lock
3. Rockets = lock

Spurs - 75%+ chance. Murray is back. Pop is Pop
Lakers - 50/50. AD gets hurt, they have no chance
Blazers - 50/50. Good coaching staff but they lost a ton of high impact players. Nurkic is arguably their second best player
Jazz - 50/50. Conley gets hurt, their chance nose-dive. Favors loss is under-estimated
Warrors - 50/50. Curry is 31y and his load is going to be huge. Injury risk and a terrible backcourt defensively is going to be trouble for them.

Side note: When Monty was asked by DA's 3 point shooting, he mentioned that if you're going to be good at it in the PLAYOFF, you need to start shooting it now (practice and game). I think Monty secretly thinks this team can make the top 8.

The Blazers have a terrific roster, experience and a very good HC. How are they not considered a lock as a playoff team?
They are better than last year, and their best players are in their absolute prime. I think they can challenge the Clippers for the best team in the West.

And I think that Lakers, Spurs, Jazz and Warriors will be in the playoffs too. Obviously injuries can change everything, but that would be our case too. Hopefully Booker stays healthy.

Saberestar wrote:

GoodBehavior wrote:

alamin330 wrote:1. Denver
2. Clippers
3. Rockets
4. Lakers
5. Blazers
6. Jazz
7. Suns
8. Warriors

Not confident in the seeding but I believe those are the western conference playoff teams. I think suns can fall anywhere from 6-8

I think you have to include the Spurs on the list. They have a good lineup and Pop is a maestro.

1. Denver = lock
2. Clippers = lock
3. Rockets = lock

Spurs - 75%+ chance. Murray is back. Pop is Pop
Lakers - 50/50. AD gets hurt, they have no chance
Blazers - 50/50. Good coaching staff but they lost a ton of high impact players. Nurkic is arguably their second best player
Jazz - 50/50. Conley gets hurt, their chance nose-dive. Favors loss is under-estimated
Warrors - 50/50. Curry is 31y and his load is going to be huge. Injury risk and a terrible backcourt defensively is going to be trouble for them.

Side note: When Monty was asked by DA's 3 point shooting, he mentioned that if you're going to be good at it in the PLAYOFF, you need to start shooting it now (practice and game). I think Monty secretly thinks this team can make the top 8.

The Blazers have a terrific roster, experience and a very good HC. How are they not considered a lock as a playoff team?
They are better than last year, and their best players are in their absolute prime. I think they can challenge the Clippers for the best team in the West.

And I think that Lakers, Spurs, Jazz and Warriors will be in the playoffs too. Obviously injuries can change everything, but that would be our case too. Hopefully Booker stays healthy.

Suns are deep. Rubio just entered his prime and is probably the best pass first pg in the league now with cp3 declining. Book is going to surprise the league. I think ayton will too. Most suns fans sleep on how good Oubre is. We have 3pt shooting galore and possibly one of the best head coaches in the league.

I think only locks are clippers nuggets rockets. The league won’t allow the lakers to miss the playoffs again so that’s a lock. Blazers are good but not a lock. Nurkic is overrated. Him and Whiteside are basically the same to me. They lost some hustle players.

Warriors are getting way too much credit. What player has come back from a torn acl and been great immediately. If klay comes back this year I believe he’ll have another injury that keeps him out. Curry won’t last 82 games. Green is only good with other shooters on the floor. They lost a lot of scoring and defense. I think it’s a toss up between warriors and spurs for 8.
Kings have Luke Walton as head coach. Nothing more to say about them.

Pelicans couldn’t make the playoff with AD what makes anyone think they’re better now? Redick? Favors? Those guys are super role players. They don’t affect standings. They don’t have a 1 or 2 option. No go to player. They will be tough but they won’t be able to close games.

I have 6 locks

Nuggets - Has very little roster turnover and with even incremental internal improvement, they should be a lock

Clippers - I think they will have the injury risk/load management between their two superstars which could hurt them in overall W's totals but they are still so deep that they will be lock.

Blazers - Their main core is still intact and even though they won't have Nurkic, I think the trade for Whiteside is a little underrated because of his poor attitude reputation in Miami but as a player, I think he'll be more motivated and would still be a monster inside. Also Stotts is underrated as a HC

Jazz - Conley will be 32 next season but he has a game that will age VERY well and he's arguably as good as he's ever been. Last season he was 2nd in his career highs in TS% and AST% and that was with a team/roster that was headed to the lottery again and he managed to play about 70 games. Mitchell, their best player will be the single biggest benefactor of having Conley on the team and I expect Mitchell to reach new heights playing next to a guy that can pass, defend, lead and most importantly, shoot. I think they will have a top 3 defense next season.

Rockets - I think they still have far too much firepower between Westbrook and Harden to be a playoff lock. I also give Morey the benefit of the doubt when it comes to mid-season additions that will make them even better.

Warriors - much heavier load on Curry this season and Dray can't just be on cruise control for 3/4 of the season before getting into shape for the playoff run but I think they have the coach to manage their load well, they have an x-factor in DLo and even if we rule out Klay for most of the season, I think they will have a renewed focus and have their "chip" on their should mentality again because most people are counting them out as a top tier playoff team. All of these factors should make them a playoff lock.

lilfishi22 wrote:I have 6 locks

Nuggets - Has very little roster turnover and with even incremental internal improvement, they should be a lock

Clippers - I think they will have the injury risk/load management between their two superstars which could hurt them in overall W's totals but they are still so deep that they will be lock.

Blazers - Their main core is still intact and even though they won't have Nurkic, I think the trade for Whiteside is a little underrated because of his poor attitude reputation in Miami but as a player, I think he'll be more motivated and would still be a monster inside. Also Stotts is underrated as a HC

Jazz - Conley will be 32 next season but he has a game that will age VERY well and he's arguably as good as he's ever been. Last season he was 2nd in his career highs in TS% and AST% and that was with a team/roster that was headed to the lottery again and he managed to play about 70 games. Mitchell, their best player will be the single biggest benefactor of having Conley on the team and I expect Mitchell to reach new heights playing next to a guy that can pass, defend, lead and most importantly, shoot. I think they will have a top 3 defense next season.

Rockets - I think they still have far too much firepower between Westbrook and Harden to be a playoff lock. I also give Morey the benefit of the doubt when it comes to mid-season additions that will make them even better.

Warriors - much heavier load on Curry this season and Dray can't just be on cruise control for 3/4 of the season before getting into shape for the playoff run but I think they have the coach to manage their load well, they have an x-factor in DLo and even if we rule out Klay for most of the season, I think they will have a renewed focus and have their "chip" on their should mentality again because most people are counting them out as a top tier playoff team. All of these factors should make them a playoff lock.

You don't think a team with AD, LeBron and Danny Green's' shooting and D is a lock? I know they lack depth but I'll be pretty surprised if a team with that much high end talent doesn't make it. Kuzma I think is a little overrated but he's decent.

They also have some other pretty good shooters like KCP and Quinn Cook and an ok big in Javale McGee.

Also, if you are going to split off part of a thread to start a new topic, you should change the subject in the first post so people are not confused.

Edit: I guess you did by the time I posted this.

bwgood77 wrote:

lilfishi22 wrote:I have 6 locks

Nuggets - Has very little roster turnover and with even incremental internal improvement, they should be a lock

Clippers - I think they will have the injury risk/load management between their two superstars which could hurt them in overall W's totals but they are still so deep that they will be lock.

Blazers - Their main core is still intact and even though they won't have Nurkic, I think the trade for Whiteside is a little underrated because of his poor attitude reputation in Miami but as a player, I think he'll be more motivated and would still be a monster inside. Also Stotts is underrated as a HC

Jazz - Conley will be 32 next season but he has a game that will age VERY well and he's arguably as good as he's ever been. Last season he was 2nd in his career highs in TS% and AST% and that was with a team/roster that was headed to the lottery again and he managed to play about 70 games. Mitchell, their best player will be the single biggest benefactor of having Conley on the team and I expect Mitchell to reach new heights playing next to a guy that can pass, defend, lead and most importantly, shoot. I think they will have a top 3 defense next season.

Rockets - I think they still have far too much firepower between Westbrook and Harden to be a playoff lock. I also give Morey the benefit of the doubt when it comes to mid-season additions that will make them even better.

Warriors - much heavier load on Curry this season and Dray can't just be on cruise control for 3/4 of the season before getting into shape for the playoff run but I think they have the coach to manage their load well, they have an x-factor in DLo and even if we rule out Klay for most of the season, I think they will have a renewed focus and have their "chip" on their should mentality again because most people are counting them out as a top tier playoff team. All of these factors should make them a playoff lock.

You don't think a team with AD, LeBron and Danny Green's' shooting and D is a lock? I know they lack depth but I'll be pretty surprised if a team with that much high end talent doesn't make it. Kuzma I think is a little overrated but he's decent.

They also have some other pretty good shooters like KCP and Quinn Cook and an ok big in Javale McGee.

Also, if you are going to split off part of a thread to start a new topic, you should change the subject in the first post so people are not confused.

Edit: I guess you did by the time I posted this.

I don't believe in their coaching. I think Vogel is a fine coach; I'm just not sure he's high level enough or perhaps even has Lebron's trust enough to turn them into a powerhouse. That could change over the court of the season but I see coaching as a potential issue for them this season (is Kidd waiting in the wings for a bit of backstabbing?). I'm not saying they probably aren't playoff team, I just wouldn't necessarily consider them a LOCK. High end talent will take you very far in the East but in the West, I think you need more than 2 high end talents to be a playoff lock. I had Warriors and LA in similar standings in the sense that they aren't overly deep (LA is arguably a little deeper) but if I had to choose between making one of them a lock, I'd give the Warriors the benefit of the doubt because of their elite level coaching and I think DLo is a better 3rd guy than whoever LA has behind Bron and AD.

Yeah I didn't realise when I moved the posts from the other thread to this one which I created would have changed the title of the thread too. Fixed that now.

Assuming no major injuries


Tier 1 (Lock)
Denver
Utah
Clippers
Houston

Tier 2 (Near Lock)
Lakers
Blazers
Kings

Tier 3 (in the running)
Spurs
Suns
Warriors
Mavs
Pelicans

Tier 4 (no chance)
OKC
Memphis

lilfishi22 wrote:

bwgood77 wrote:

lilfishi22 wrote:I have 6 locks

Nuggets - Has very little roster turnover and with even incremental internal improvement, they should be a lock

Clippers - I think they will have the injury risk/load management between their two superstars which could hurt them in overall W's totals but they are still so deep that they will be lock.

Blazers - Their main core is still intact and even though they won't have Nurkic, I think the trade for Whiteside is a little underrated because of his poor attitude reputation in Miami but as a player, I think he'll be more motivated and would still be a monster inside. Also Stotts is underrated as a HC

Jazz - Conley will be 32 next season but he has a game that will age VERY well and he's arguably as good as he's ever been. Last season he was 2nd in his career highs in TS% and AST% and that was with a team/roster that was headed to the lottery again and he managed to play about 70 games. Mitchell, their best player will be the single biggest benefactor of having Conley on the team and I expect Mitchell to reach new heights playing next to a guy that can pass, defend, lead and most importantly, shoot. I think they will have a top 3 defense next season.

Rockets - I think they still have far too much firepower between Westbrook and Harden to be a playoff lock. I also give Morey the benefit of the doubt when it comes to mid-season additions that will make them even better.

Warriors - much heavier load on Curry this season and Dray can't just be on cruise control for 3/4 of the season before getting into shape for the playoff run but I think they have the coach to manage their load well, they have an x-factor in DLo and even if we rule out Klay for most of the season, I think they will have a renewed focus and have their "chip" on their should mentality again because most people are counting them out as a top tier playoff team. All of these factors should make them a playoff lock.

You don't think a team with AD, LeBron and Danny Green's' shooting and D is a lock? I know they lack depth but I'll be pretty surprised if a team with that much high end talent doesn't make it. Kuzma I think is a little overrated but he's decent.

They also have some other pretty good shooters like KCP and Quinn Cook and an ok big in Javale McGee.

Also, if you are going to split off part of a thread to start a new topic, you should change the subject in the first post so people are not confused.

Edit: I guess you did by the time I posted this.

I don't believe in their coaching. I think Vogel is a fine coach; I'm just not sure he's high level enough or perhaps even has Lebron's trust enough to turn them into a powerhouse. That could change over the court of the season but I see coaching as a potential issue for them this season (is Kidd waiting in the wings for a bit of backstabbing?). I'm not saying they probably aren't playoff team, I just wouldn't necessarily consider them a LOCK. High end talent will take you very far in the East but in the West, I think you need more than 2 high end talents to be a playoff lock. I had Warriors and LA in similar standings in the sense that they aren't overly deep (LA is arguably a little deeper) but if I had to choose between making one of them a lock, I'd give the Warriors the benefit of the doubt because of their elite level coaching and I think DLo is a better 3rd guy than whoever LA has behind Bron and AD.

Yeah I didn't realise when I moved the posts from the other thread to this one which I created would have changed the title of the thread too. Fixed that now.

LeBron made what, 8 finals in a row? Now I know that was in the east, but we are just talking making the playoffs. If he hadn't gotten injured last year he likely would have dragged that Lakers team full of youngsters. But he's never played with a guy as talented as AD. I can understand AD not making it either.

LeBron pretty much directs his team on floor, but Vogel being a defensive guy will help on that side...LeBron's Cleveland team's were typically terrible defensively, but with AD, Green, Avery Bradley, Rondo, McGee, KCP, these guys will probably be pretty tough defensively.

Vogel was very good with the Pacers, at least for awhile....they were the #1 seed one year before George was really a superstar.

LeBron is probably one of the smartest or most intuitive players ever in the game and AD is one of the, if not the most overall talented player in the game right now....I would just be shocked, if they both remain healthy, if they miss or even come close to missing.

Crives wrote:Assuming no major injuries


Tier 1 (Lock)
Denver
Utah
Clippers
Houston

Tier 2 (Near Lock)
Lakers
Blazers
Kings

Tier 3 (in the running)
Spurs
Suns
Warriors
Mavs
Pelicans

Tier 4 (no chance)
OKC
Memphis

Locks: Clippers

Highly Likely: Jazz, Nuggets, Lakers, Blazers, Rockets

Likely: Spurs, Warriors

Unlikely: Suns, Mavs, Kings, Pelicans

Highly Unlikely: Wolves, Thunder

No Way: Grizzlies

A friend convinced me that this is probably one of those years where it takes much more than a .500 record to get into the tournament. This conference gonna woop that other one bad this season.

I think depth is going to play a big factor given all of the competition in the west. Who stays healty? Who can win some games without their star player, and how durable, historically, have those star players been?

That's why my only lock is LAC. They have enough depth that no one or two bad events are gonna break them. The Lakers, Rockets, Blazers, Nuggets and even the Jazz (with Gobert) rely heavily on a few star players. Stuff happens; you never know. Any of those teams could grab the #1 seed, but they could surprise to the downside as well.

After the top 6, I think the favorites to make the cut have to be the Spurs and Warriors. Can't underestimate Curry; can't forget Pop's machine. But the Warriors will be vulnerable if Curry goes down, and the Spurs may not quite get there if a couple teams below them surprise to the upside.

Everyone in the "unlikely" column has a shot at taking down a spot from a team that falls with internal improvement and solid roster construction. They're all young, and it's an easy bet that at least one team from that group makes it.

bwgood77 wrote:

lilfishi22 wrote:

bwgood77 wrote:
You don't think a team with AD, LeBron and Danny Green's' shooting and D is a lock? I know they lack depth but I'll be pretty surprised if a team with that much high end talent doesn't make it. Kuzma I think is a little overrated but he's decent.

They also have some other pretty good shooters like KCP and Quinn Cook and an ok big in Javale McGee.

Also, if you are going to split off part of a thread to start a new topic, you should change the subject in the first post so people are not confused.

Edit: I guess you did by the time I posted this.

I don't believe in their coaching. I think Vogel is a fine coach; I'm just not sure he's high level enough or perhaps even has Lebron's trust enough to turn them into a powerhouse. That could change over the court of the season but I see coaching as a potential issue for them this season (is Kidd waiting in the wings for a bit of backstabbing?). I'm not saying they probably aren't playoff team, I just wouldn't necessarily consider them a LOCK. High end talent will take you very far in the East but in the West, I think you need more than 2 high end talents to be a playoff lock. I had Warriors and LA in similar standings in the sense that they aren't overly deep (LA is arguably a little deeper) but if I had to choose between making one of them a lock, I'd give the Warriors the benefit of the doubt because of their elite level coaching and I think DLo is a better 3rd guy than whoever LA has behind Bron and AD.

Yeah I didn't realise when I moved the posts from the other thread to this one which I created would have changed the title of the thread too. Fixed that now.

LeBron made what, 8 finals in a row? Now I know that was in the east, but we are just talking making the playoffs. If he hadn't gotten injured last year he likely would have dragged that Lakers team full of youngsters. But he's never played with a guy as talented as AD. I can understand AD not making it either.

LeBron pretty much directs his team on floor, but Vogel being a defensive guy will help on that side...LeBron's Cleveland team's were typically terrible defensively, but with AD, Green, Avery Bradley, Rondo, McGee, KCP, these guys will probably be pretty tough defensively.

Vogel was very good with the Pacers, at least for awhile....they were the #1 seed one year before George was really a superstar.

LeBron is probably one of the smartest or most intuitive players ever in the game and AD is one of the, if not the most overall talented player in the game right now....I would just be shocked, if they both remain healthy, if they miss or even come close to missing.

This is a new world now. Lebron made 8 Finals in a row but Lebron also completely missed the playoffs last season. Last season if he had played another say 15 games and won 10 of them (LA was 28-27 last season when he played btw), the Lakers would've won 47 games which would make them 9th place in the West. Also being a good coach for the Pacers is different to being a good coach for LA and for Lebron. I think a lot of people, rightfully, questioned Vogel's fit with Lebron and Lebron is almost always cordial at the start of the season when it comes to new coaches and giving them a chance but we'll see how it goes as the season rolls along.

The West imo will also have more competent teams than last season. Teams like the Wolves, Pels, Kings and even the Mavericks imo will all be much improved and I just don't think there will be more than 1 or 2 walkovers in the West. Not to mention Spurs and Thunder could be better than we expect and it'll make *just* having top end talent a lot different to the East.

You're making it sound like I don't think they make the playoffs; I'm just not confident that they are a lock.

ImNotMcDiSwear wrote:

Crives wrote:Assuming no major injuries


Tier 1 (Lock)
Denver
Utah
Clippers
Houston

Tier 2 (Near Lock)
Lakers
Blazers
Kings

Tier 3 (in the running)
Spurs
Suns
Warriors
Mavs
Pelicans

Tier 4 (no chance)
OKC
Memphis

Locks: Clippers

Highly Likely: Jazz, Nuggets, Lakers, Blazers, Rockets

Likely: Spurs, Warriors

Unlikely: Suns, Mavs, Kings, Pelicans, Thunder

Highly Unlikely: Wolves, Thunder

No Way: Grizzlies

A friend convinced me that this is probably one of those years where it takes much more than a .500 record to get into the tournament. This conference gonna woop that other one bad this season.

I think depth is going to play a big factor given all of the competition in the west. Who stays healty? Who can win some games without their star player, and how durable, historically, have those star players been?

That's why my only lock is LAC. They have enough depth that no one or two bad events are gonna break them. The Lakers, Rockets, Blazers, Nuggets and even the Jazz (with Gobert) rely heavily on a few star players. Stuff happens; you never know. Any of those teams could grab the #1 seed, but they could surprise to the downside as well.

After the top 6, I think the favorites to make the cut have to be the Spurs and Warriors. Can't underestimate Curry; can't forget Pop's machine. But the Warriors will be vulnerable if Curry goes down, and the Spurs may not quite get there if a couple teams below them surprise to the upside.

Everyone in the "unlikely" column has a shot at taking down a spot from a team that falls with internal improvement and solid roster construction. They're all young, and it's an easy bet that at least one team from that group makes it.

I for the most part, agree with this, though I do feel like there are six locks (if healthy) and Portland is highly likely. The Warriors I put in the lock if healthy. I think Curry and Draymond are just too good if they stay healthy and the game should be easier with Russell. The only issue would be not clicking at all and just kind of derailing their system, and while I don't think he's the best fit there, he's a great 3rd guy. I also think Looney will really step up. Obviously health is big but Draymond and Curry will be out to prove themselves, and even if they are hovering around a borderline playoff team at the all star break, if/when Klay gets back, I think they will pretty much be as tough as anyone except the Clips. I think the Clips, Denver and Utah will all be very very tough.

The one team I may not be as high on as most are the Rockets, because Westbrook and Harden seem like a terrible fit, but D'Antoni usually helps guards a lot....they will have to change their games a bit when playing together but they will still be tough, and still have most of their role players.

I always used to count out the Blazers, so I shouldn't, and Lillard is a killer, and the loss of Nurkic hurts, but your man Zach Collins started stepping up in the playoffs and could take a major step too.

The Spurs were really banged up last year without Dejounte Murray after losing all their big names of the past, but they still have Pop and solid players in Aldridge and DeRozan, even though their games are a little more old school. And Derrick White really stepped up last year. Now he just adds depth. They will hover around 8th but the teams behind him will have a tall order to beat them. I think the Pelicans could be pesky, and if Porzingis comes back strong along with Doncic taking a step they will be competitive too. It will be interesting to see how the Kings do when they were borderline last year, are older, with more depth, but the conference is all so much tougher. I like our lineup too but the tough part their is our defense.

I agree the Grizzlies are at the bottom even though I like a lot of their young pieces for the future...the Wolves will be down their too I think unless Culver steps in big and Okogie takes a big step...but too much competition for them to do much. The Thunder are kind of interesting, especially if Paul is healthy...and Roberson ever comes back healthy...and Gallo stays healthy. They are likely rebuilding, but that starting lineup along with Adams is decent...they just lack depth along with the Wolves.

Oh. May have to downgrade OKC from "highly unlikely" to "no way."

https://old.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dcg24i/thenbacentral_oklahoma_city_has_been_trying_to/

ImNotMcDiSwear wrote:Oh. May have to downgrade OKC from "highly unlikely" to "no way."

https://old.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dcg24i/thenbacentral_oklahoma_city_has_been_trying_to/

They don't have a chance even if they kept everyone, and I think they are probably trying to trade Paul, Gallinari and Adams, but no way they can get something like that for Adams. His contract is bad. He got one of the last big center deals before the market for non superstar centers dried up.

bwgood77 wrote:

ImNotMcDiSwear wrote:Oh. May have to downgrade OKC from "highly unlikely" to "no way."

https://old.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dcg24i/thenbacentral_oklahoma_city_has_been_trying_to/

They don't have a chance even if they kept everyone, and I think they are probably trying to trade Paul, Gallinari and Adams, but no way they can get something like that for Adams. His contract is bad. He got one of the last big center deals before the market for non superstar centers dried up.

If we assume that they are keeping everyone and everyone is healthy/motivated, they have a sneaky good squad with depth. A team with the ball in CP3's hands is dangerous especially when you have talented vets like Adams, Gallo, Roberson, Noel, Shroeder and some good young guys in SGA and Ferguson. Are they much worse than Pels, Kings, Wolves or Dallas if we assume these teams are going to the fighting tooth and nail for a final playoff spot?

If they blow it up in December or something, yeah I get it but if they keep it together, I think they will be competitive.

In no order, Denver, Houston, both LA teams, Utah, pretty close to make it, Golden St, 2 spots up for grabs between San Antonio, Dallas, Portland and Sacramento, will lean towards the Texas' teams in at the moment

New Orleans is going to have issues stablishing roles and has a ton of youngsters and Minnesota doesn't have enough talent, OKC, Phoenix and Memphis clearly out

lilfishi22 wrote:

bwgood77 wrote:

ImNotMcDiSwear wrote:Oh. May have to downgrade OKC from "highly unlikely" to "no way."

https://old.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/dcg24i/thenbacentral_oklahoma_city_has_been_trying_to/

They don't have a chance even if they kept everyone, and I think they are probably trying to trade Paul, Gallinari and Adams, but no way they can get something like that for Adams. His contract is bad. He got one of the last big center deals before the market for non superstar centers dried up.

If we assume that they are keeping everyone and everyone is healthy/motivated, they have a sneaky good squad with depth. A team with the ball in CP3's hands is dangerous especially when you have talented vets like Adams, Gallo, Roberson, Noel, Shroeder and some good young guys in SGA and Ferguson. Are they much worse than Pels, Kings, Wolves or Dallas if we assume these teams are going to the fighting tooth and nail for a final playoff spot?

If they blow it up in December or something, yeah I get it but if they keep it together, I think they will be competitive.

Yeah, I mentioned I think they have a solid starting unit if healthy, but Roberson isn't healthy yet, and Paul and Gallo are very injury prone. But Paul, SGA, Roberson, Gallo and Adams are competitive. Noel and Schroeder are decent and Ferguson has some potential, but I don't think that's great depth, particularly if Roberson is out or not his old self. But that starting lineup will be able to hang with people. I just don't think that's the direction Presti wants to go, and he'd like to trade and go younger. But he can't get anything for Paul, and he's asking too much for Adams..Gallo could have some value if healthy, but that's about it. If they can somehow get Paul to Miami, that will make Miami a very tough team. They are pretty tough already with the emergence of Bam and Winslow and have Butler along with some decent vets.

Speaking of the east, I didn't mention my playoff locks there.

I think the locks are Philly, Milwaukee, Indiana, Boston, Brooklyn, Toronto and Miami.

So many locks mainly because there is a clear solid group and clear not so solid group.

Then Orlando could make it again as they are getting older and have a taste of the playoffs

Detroit could also compete for that last spot, but I think the Bulls could be the team to beat for it, with the Hawks having a chance of being a competitive young team.

The Bulls have solid young talent in Markkanen, Porter and LaVine, point guard depth, and I think Wendell Carter, Jr, if healthy, will be very solid.

Some may think Toronto could blow it up, but even if they dealt Lowry (but not sure where he could go and he is a fan favorite in Toronto), Siakam, FVV, Ibaka and Gasol are too good, especially with the playoff experience now. And many think Anunoby will emerge as a stud.

Now they could deal Gasol as well, but they have a pretty good mix of vets and young talent and I suspect that group will be better than people expect. They actually had a better win % without Kawhi than with him last year. Obviously they were not a better team, but it shows, they still had the best win % in the conference without him, so it's not like those guys have a serious drop off, outside of maybe dropping down 3-5 spots in the east.

bwgood77 wrote:Speaking of the east, I didn't mention my playoff locks there.

I think the locks are Philly, Milwaukee, Indiana, Boston, Brooklyn, Toronto and Miami.

So many locks mainly because there is a clear solid group and clear not so solid group.

For the last spot I was originally thinking Detroit, but I think the Bulls could be the team to beat, with the Hawks having a chance of being a competitive young team.

But the Bulls have solid young talent in Markkanen, Porter and LaVine, point guard depth, and I think Wendell Carter, Jr, if healthy, will be very solid.

Some may think Toronto could blow it up, but even if they dealt Lowry (but not sure where he could go and he is a fan favorite in Toronto), Siakam, FVV, Ibaka and Gasol are too good, especially with the playoff experience now. And many think Anunoby will emerge as a stud.

Now they could deal Gasol as well, but they have a pretty good mix of vets and young talent and I suspect that group will be better than people expect. They actually had a better win % without Kawhi than with him last year. Obviously they were not a better team, but it shows, they still had the best win % in the conference without him, so it's not like those guys have a serious drop off, outside of maybe dropping down 3-5 spots in the east.

I'm pretty close to where you are. There's a slim chance that a Butler injury bites Miami, I think.

Locks: Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Boston, Indiana, Toronto, Brooklyn

Highly Likely: Miami

Likely: Detroit

Unlikely: Chicago, Orlando

Highly Unlikely: New York

No Way: Charlotte, Cleveland, Washington, Atlanta

The big difference between the two conferences is the lack of parity. Several easy targets to beat up on, so even though the eastern locks are weaker than the western highly likely teams, it's pretty hard to find reason to question which teams be invited to the dance.