Western Conference predictions

[Jazz Dog]

1-Utah
2- Golden State
3- Los Angeles Lakers
4- Dallas
5- Phoenix
6- Denver
7- New Orleans
8- Memphis
9- Portland
10- Los Angeles Clippers

[TheRealKaboom]

GB:

1) Jazz
2) Suns
3) Nuggets
4) Clippers
5) Pelicans
6) Warriors
7) Mavs
8) Blazers

Reality:

1) Lakers
2) Jazz
3) Suns
4) Nuggets
5) Mavs
6) Blazers
7) Clippers
8) Warriors

[AingesBurner]

Suns(1 seed will be important to them)
Jazz(Made needed improvements but will slide due to player rest)
Nuggets(Continuity)
Lakers(They won’t be healthy and will take a while to mesh)
Mavericks(They get Dragic)
Warriors(Slight improvement from last year, health will be an aspect)
Blazers
Memphis

[iamworthy]

1. Lakers
2. Nuggets
3. Utah
4. Warriors
5. Mavericks
6. Suns
7. Blazers
8. Clippers

[Scuall]

1. NBA darlings the lovable Phoenix Suns. What a fine collection of young men assembled by one of the best run organizations in the league. Easily the NBA's most dedicated and classiest fanbase too. After a dominant 12-4 run through the western conference, an improved roster, and the internal development of its young core, the mighty Suns should be shining even brighter this year. For fans of basketball played at its purest form, be sure to check out the Phoenix Suns this year. A sight to behold and a delight to the senses!

You forgot to mention the beloved owner, Robert Sarver, known throughout the league as a beloved owner who has always looked out for his teams' best interests. We haven't seen such a fine individual since Donald Sterling.

[mpoo_sin]

1. Jazz
2. Mavericks
3. Lakers
4. Warriors
5. Nuggets
6. Suns
7. Grizzlies
8. Pelicans
9. Trailblazers
10. Clippers
11. Timberwolves
12. Kings
13. Thunder
14. Spurs
15. Rockets

[Hroz]

Tier 1
Jazz Suns Lakers

Tier 2
Warriors Nuggets Mavericks

Tier 3
Clippers Blazers Grizzlies

Tier 4
Kings TWolves Pelicans

Tier 5
Spurs Rockets Thunder

[Phreak50]

The Spurs aren't even close to the play-ins with this team.

People underestimate what Demar was for that team. We are about a 15-20 win team right now.

[Mr Puddles]

1. NBA darlings the lovable Phoenix Suns. What a fine collection of young men assembled by one of the best run organizations in the league. Easily the NBA's most dedicated and classiest fanbase too. After a dominant 12-4 run through the western conference, an improved roster, and the internal development of its young core, the mighty Suns should be shining even brighter this year. For fans of basketball played at its purest form, be sure to check out the Phoenix Suns this year. A sight to behold and a delight to the senses!

You forgot to mention the beloved owner, Robert Sarver, known throughout the league as a beloved owner who has always looked out for his teams' best interests. We haven't seen such a fine individual since Donald Sterling.

Yeah, I have to concede that I'm not a fan of Robert Sarver, your Lakers can have him. Hell, at the brisk age of 59 he's just at the right age to play one of the guard spots for you guys! Probably less injury-prone than half your rotation too.

[FinnTheHuman]

Jazz
Suns
Nuggets

Lakers
Clippers

Mavs
Blazers

Warriors
Grizzlies

Pelicans
Wolves


The rest don't stand a chance in the playoff race.

[AdriLaker]

1- Jazz - They have an excelent regular season team and improved their bench. However, the aging of a great part of the players (Conley, Bojan, Ingles, Gay, Whiteside) brings some question marks.
2 - Denver - Jamal will return eventually. They have a solid team.
3 - Suns - I think they will increase CP3 load management to get him stronger to the playoffs. But the roster is solid.
4 - Mavs - I am guessing they will bring some other player like Dragic or Lowry to improve the roster. Bullock is a solid addition to their Doncic + shooters style of play.
5 - LAC - It's a good roster even without Kawhi.
6 - GSW - It would be weird chemistry with win-now players with 5 win-now players (Curry, Klay, Wiggins, Dray, and Otto) sharing minutes with raw rookies and sophomores. If it does not work, I believe in midseason trades.
7 - Portland - At long last, we maybe have a healthy season with Lillard/CJ/Norman/RoCo/Nukic team. It's a pity the reserve unit is still very weak. Zeller is a nice addition. But not enough. They might all-in in midseason trades if things dont work out.
8 - LAL - It's a team difficult to predict due to the aging of the roster. I anticipate a lot of loading management. And keep the team to the playoffs will be the main goal.
9 - Pelicans - They will have one of the stronger Frontcourt of the NBA - Ingram/Zion/JV. The average backcourt could fit better than the previous year with Sato/Graham/Kira/NAW and maybe Hart.
10 -Wolves - They have 3 great young offensive players in Dlo/Edwards/Towns. The roster is not deep and experienced enough to get better results.
11 - Memphis - The young core is really exciting. But I think they are too green to compete.
12 - Kings - Its difficult to predict if they will focus on development or trying to compete.
13 - Spurs
14 - Houston
15 - OKC

1. NBA darlings the lovable Phoenix Suns. What a fine collection of young men assembled by one of the best run organizations in the league. Easily the NBA's most dedicated and classiest fanbase too. After a dominant 12-4 run through the western conference, an improved roster, and the internal development of its young core, the mighty Suns should be shining even brighter this year. For fans of basketball played at its purest form, be sure to check out the Phoenix Suns this year. A sight to behold and a delight to the senses!
2. Jazz. Improved an already solid roster. I think Gobert will respond well to struggling against the Clippers' small ball lineup last year.
3. Denver. Young team with lots of potential. Solid core around Jokic, Murray and MPjr.
4. Mavericks. Luka alone is enough to have this team playing in the 4-6 range.
5. The Memphis Grizzlies. Will improve due to their young core getting better. Didn't like their offseason moves, but Adams will still look good on this team.
6. Those pesky Los Angeles Clippers. Had a solid offseason bringing back Reggie Jackson (I thought for sure he would be gone). Would have been higher if it wasn't for the Leonard injury.
7. Golden State Warriors. IMO this team should have gone all in trading away the picks they got from Minny for proven contributors. That being said, if steph and klay can stay healthy this team will be dangerous.
8. Defending play-in champions the Los Angeles Lakers. Will they repeat as play-in champs? That's yet to be seen as they'll face fierce competition from the pelicans and wolves - two teams loaded with young talent going up against the aging and rapidly declining Lakers.
----
9. The Pelicans
10. The Wolves
11. Kings
12. Blazers
13. Spurs
14. Rockets
15. Thunder.

Aren you 2 crazy???
6 HoF players
shooters everywhere
Young and talented players like THT and Nunn...
Seriously WTF are u talking about???

[rand]

1. Jazz
2. Lakers
3. Suns
4. Warriors
5. Nuggets
6. Mavs
7. Clippers
8. Blazers
9. Grizzlies
10. Wolves
---
11. Kings
12. Pels
13. Spurs
14. Rockets
15. Thunder

Finals favorites:
1. Lakers
2. Warriors
3. Suns
4. Jazz

All-Stars:
Curry / Dame
Luka / Mitchell / Booker
LeBron / PG
AD / Zion
Jokic / Gobert / Towns

[BrianInPhilly]

Take all this with a grain of salt - Always tough to make these predictions, and there is always 1 or 2 surprise playoff teams. Obviously I know what the "surprises" are w/ my prediction.

1. Jazz
2. Nuggets
3. Mavericks
4. Suns
5. Lakers
6. Warriors
7. Kings
8. Pelicans
9. Clippers
10. Grizzlies
11. Spurs
12. Thunder
13. Blazers
14. Timberwolves
15. Rockets

[Johnny Bball]

I don't see how the clippers are automatic for most folks. KL is out and George is good to miss 15-20 games a years leaving them working from a very small amount of games for wins.

[TheRealKaboom]

1- Jazz - They have an excelent regular season team and improved their bench. However, the aging of a great part of the players (Conley, Bojan, Ingles, Gay, Whiteside) brings some question marks.
2 - Denver - Jamal will return eventually. They have a solid team.
3 - Suns - I think they will increase CP3 load management to get him stronger to the playoffs. But the roster is solid.
4 - Mavs - I am guessing they will bring some other player like Dragic or Lowry to improve the roster. Bullock is a solid addition to their Doncic + shooters style of play.
5 - LAC - It's a good roster even without Kawhi.
6 - GSW - It would be weird chemistry with win-now players with 5 win-now players (Curry, Klay, Wiggins, Dray, and Otto) sharing minutes with raw rookies and sophomores. If it does not work, I believe in midseason trades.
7 - Portland - At long last, we maybe have a healthy season with Lillard/CJ/Norman/RoCo/Nukic team. It's a pity the reserve unit is still very weak. Zeller is a nice addition. But not enough. They might all-in in midseason trades if things dont work out.
8 - LAL - It's a team difficult to predict due to the aging of the roster. I anticipate a lot of loading management. And keep the team to the playoffs will be the main goal.
9 - Pelicans - They will have one of the stronger Frontcourt of the NBA - Ingram/Zion/JV. The average backcourt could fit better than the previous year with Sato/Graham/Kira/NAW and maybe Hart.
10 -Wolves - They have 3 great young offensive players in Dlo/Edwards/Towns. The roster is not deep and experienced enough to get better results.
11 - Memphis - The young core is really exciting. But I think they are too green to compete.
12 - Kings - Its difficult to predict if they will focus on development or trying to compete.
13 - Spurs
14 - Houston
15 - OKC

1. NBA darlings the lovable Phoenix Suns. What a fine collection of young men assembled by one of the best run organizations in the league. Easily the NBA's most dedicated and classiest fanbase too. After a dominant 12-4 run through the western conference, an improved roster, and the internal development of its young core, the mighty Suns should be shining even brighter this year. For fans of basketball played at its purest form, be sure to check out the Phoenix Suns this year. A sight to behold and a delight to the senses!
2. Jazz. Improved an already solid roster. I think Gobert will respond well to struggling against the Clippers' small ball lineup last year.
3. Denver. Young team with lots of potential. Solid core around Jokic, Murray and MPjr.
4. Mavericks. Luka alone is enough to have this team playing in the 4-6 range.
5. The Memphis Grizzlies. Will improve due to their young core getting better. Didn't like their offseason moves, but Adams will still look good on this team.
6. Those pesky Los Angeles Clippers. Had a solid offseason bringing back Reggie Jackson (I thought for sure he would be gone). Would have been higher if it wasn't for the Leonard injury.
7. Golden State Warriors. IMO this team should have gone all in trading away the picks they got from Minny for proven contributors. That being said, if steph and klay can stay healthy this team will be dangerous.
8. Defending play-in champions the Los Angeles Lakers. Will they repeat as play-in champs? That's yet to be seen as they'll face fierce competition from the pelicans and wolves - two teams loaded with young talent going up against the aging and rapidly declining Lakers.
----
9. The Pelicans
10. The Wolves
11. Kings
12. Blazers
13. Spurs
14. Rockets
15. Thunder.

Aren you 2 crazy???
6 HoF players
shooters everywhere
Young and talented players like THT and Nunn...
Seriously WTF are u talking about???

It's not that people on GB are crazy, it's that they display a frightening lack of basketball knowledge/intelligence. It takes a whole new level of stupid to actually believe the Lakers won't make the playoffs or end up an 8 seed.

[Swish1906]

Or it takes a whole new level of stupid to ignore the amount of games Lebron missed last season (and specially the past 3 season) in combination with glass body and the alltime leader in trips to the lockerroom Davis...

[bisme37]

I'll be surprised if the Lakers end up with the top seed. I can believe they'll play for a title but I really don't see them busting their butts for 82 games worrying about seeding.

[aguiar95]

Tier I - Home Court Advantage

1. LAL
2. PHO
3. UTA
4. DEN

Tier II - Playoff Lock

5. GSW
6. POR
7. DAL

Tier III - Play-in Battle

8. NOP
9. LAC
10. SAC
11. MEM

Tier IV - Tank Wars

12. MIN
13. HOU
14. SAS
15. OKC

[LakersNavy]

Lakers
Jazz
Nuggets
Mavs
Suns
Warriors
Clippers
Grizz

I'm skeptical of the suns this year. An underrated, under discussed part of their success last year was the historically good injury luck they had last season. Basically every one of their key players was completely healthy the entire season. It's unlikely that happens again.

Read on Twitter

?s=19

[Richard4444]

1- Jazz - They have an excelent regular season team and improved their bench. However, the aging of a great part of the players (Conley, Bojan, Ingles, Gay, Whiteside) brings some question marks.
2 - Denver - Jamal will return eventually. They have a solid team.
3 - Suns - I think they will increase CP3 load management to get him stronger to the playoffs. But the roster is solid.
4 - Mavs - I am guessing they will bring some other player like Dragic or Lowry to improve the roster. Bullock is a solid addition to their Doncic + shooters style of play.
5 - LAC - It's a good roster even without Kawhi.
6 - GSW - It would be weird chemistry with win-now players with 5 win-now players (Curry, Klay, Wiggins, Dray, and Otto) sharing minutes with raw rookies and sophomores. If it does not work, I believe in midseason trades.
7 - Portland - At long last, we maybe have a healthy season with Lillard/CJ/Norman/RoCo/Nukic team. It's a pity the reserve unit is still very weak. Zeller is a nice addition. But not enough. They might all-in in midseason trades if things dont work out.
8 - LAL - It's a team difficult to predict due to the aging of the roster. I anticipate a lot of loading management. And keep the team to the playoffs will be the main goal.
9 - Pelicans - They will have one of the stronger Frontcourt of the NBA - Ingram/Zion/JV. The average backcourt could fit better than the previous year with Sato/Graham/Kira/NAW and maybe Hart.
10 -Wolves - They have 3 great young offensive players in Dlo/Edwards/Towns. The roster is not deep and experienced enough to get better results.
11 - Memphis - The young core is really exciting. But I think they are too green to compete.
12 - Kings - Its difficult to predict if they will focus on development or trying to compete.
13 - Spurs
14 - Houston
15 - OKC

1. NBA darlings the lovable Phoenix Suns. What a fine collection of young men assembled by one of the best run organizations in the league. Easily the NBA's most dedicated and classiest fanbase too. After a dominant 12-4 run through the western conference, an improved roster, and the internal development of its young core, the mighty Suns should be shining even brighter this year. For fans of basketball played at its purest form, be sure to check out the Phoenix Suns this year. A sight to behold and a delight to the senses!
2. Jazz. Improved an already solid roster. I think Gobert will respond well to struggling against the Clippers' small ball lineup last year.
3. Denver. Young team with lots of potential. Solid core around Jokic, Murray and MPjr.
4. Mavericks. Luka alone is enough to have this team playing in the 4-6 range.
5. The Memphis Grizzlies. Will improve due to their young core getting better. Didn't like their offseason moves, but Adams will still look good on this team.
6. Those pesky Los Angeles Clippers. Had a solid offseason bringing back Reggie Jackson (I thought for sure he would be gone). Would have been higher if it wasn't for the Leonard injury.
7. Golden State Warriors. IMO this team should have gone all in trading away the picks they got from Minny for proven contributors. That being said, if steph and klay can stay healthy this team will be dangerous.
8. Defending play-in champions the Los Angeles Lakers. Will they repeat as play-in champs? That's yet to be seen as they'll face fierce competition from the pelicans and wolves - two teams loaded with young talent going up against the aging and rapidly declining Lakers.
----
9. The Pelicans
10. The Wolves
11. Kings
12. Blazers
13. Spurs
14. Rockets
15. Thunder.

Aren you 2 crazy???
6 HoF players
shooters everywhere
Young and talented players like THT and Nunn...
Seriously WTF are u talking about???

I said it's a team hard to predict. The Lakers can be the best team or the eighth because of the "healthy factor". I may have put the Lakers in the eighth season because I am root against The Lakers. I had to guess a position. I could not give a range of positions that The Lakers will probably end the season.

The Lakers will rely more on Anthony Davis's condition. Lebron should get a lot of load management or he will probably miss a lot of time due to injuries again. WB and LeBron are not a great pairing. Both need the ball all time. The lack of space can be a problem.

WB is a 2 edged sword. He is a wonderful playmaker and rebounder but he is a kind of chucker. In Houston and Wizards, he started the season very slow and he got more efficient only at the second half of the season. Besides he is not so durable as once he was. And his style of game relies on athleticism and is injury-risky.

Do you still think about Melo, Gasol, and Howard as Hall of Fame players?

Melo is a shadow of himself and a liability on the defensive end.

Gasol cant get healthy and he averages less than 20 minutes.

Howard can only play 15 minutes a game and he is more interested in trash-talking opponents than playing the game.

Ellington is not a reliable shooter. He was very bad in the Knicks 2 years ago. His accuracy can drop if the team lacks spacing.

Baze was not very useful to the Warriors last year. Although GSW had a bad roster full of raw rookies, he averaged less than 20 minutes a game. Weird situation.

Ariza is 36 years old and shoots below average from deep. He was not a key rotation guy for Miami last season.

Monk never started a game after 4 seasons playing for The Hornets. Only the last season he shot above average from deep.

THT is a good player. But he is not a shooter. An awful compliment to a team that is full of no-shooters. WB, LeBron and Howard.

Lakers need another Center. Due to health and stamina factors, I bet Gasol and Howard's cant play the majority of the games. They need another Center who may be the main Center for the season. If they move AD to the Center spot, they dont have anyone to play PF besides Melo.