Western Conference predictions

[Jedi32]

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???

Those are what we call weak trolling jobs. Don't worry they'll get some therapy and more troll training and they'll be fine.

[jazzfan1971]

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

This guy knows his stuff.

[Richard4444]

How can guessing The Lakers will end up in the eighty spot can be considered a "trolling prediction" if they ending up "seventh" last season? It's not absurd to predict it happens again.

The series of injuries can be viewed a "bad luck" or a tendency due to the aging of key players.

Furthermore, it's totally fine to think the changes weakened the roster if you view WB as a bad compliment to the team.

Also, the roster got older. Players like Dennis, Harrel, Kuzma, Caruzo and KCP are gone. Signing end of career players is always a risk.

[DroseReturnChi]

lakers heavily underrated they will be hands down best in a weak west. pelicans is darkhorse with point zion.
warriors is west of celtics they will be lucky to avoid playins with no upgrades. jazz,suns they will all plummet.
west is a very easy one compared to east where there 2 powerhouse and 8 playoff contenders im not surprised if number 3 seed and number 10 got switched.

[Tottery]

Lakers
Suns
Nuggets
Warriors
Jazz
Clippers
Mavericks
Pelicans

If Klay comes back and is healthy all year and resembles his old self, I think they'll get home court.

[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

This guy knows his stuff.

[Myth_Breaker]

Regular season standings 1-10 (so including play-in teams).
1. LA Lakers.
2. Utah Jazz.
3. Phoenix Suns.
4. Denver Nuggets.
5. GS Warriors.
6. Portland Trail Blazers.
7. Dallas Mavericks.
8. Memphis Grizzlies.
9. LA Clippers.
10. New Orleans Pelicans.

[Maxthirty]

I would definitely bet the Lakers don't get the 1 seed. I think we all know health is extremely important for this squad. There should be a lot of rest dnps happening, as long they're in somewhat of a comfortable position in the standings. The goal is to win a championship, anything else is a failure for this years team.

[Narigo]

1. LA Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Utah Jazz
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Memphis Grizzlies
7. LA Clippers
8. Portland Trail Blazers
9. Golden State Warriors
10. San Antonio Spurs
11. New Orleans Pelicans
12. Minnesota T'Wolves
13. Sacramento Kings
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
15. Houston Rockets

[Myth_Breaker]

I would definitely bet the Lakers don't get the 1 seed. I think we all know health is extremely important for this squad. There should be a lot of rest dnps happening, as long they're in somewhat of a comfortable position in the standings. The goal is to win a championship, anything else is a failure for this years team.

Let's make a friendly sig bet then. But seriously, the point is that - while I obviously had some doubts about fit after getting Westbrook - now I feel like the Lakers roster (which still has a few available spots) is already complete enough to dominate the West. Regardless of load management/possible injuries to core players*. Just like last season's Nets - despite massive injury woes to their core, they would have easily been first in the East if Harden were there for the whole season. I feel this is the exact situation that next season both Nets and Lakers will be in in their respective conferences.

*Of course I exclude things like season-ending injuries here - but I exclude these for all teams in the rankings anyway.

[clippertown]

Love how so many think Clips have a chance at maintaining this year, but with KL out, I would be happy with the 8th spot - even through the secondary play-in. We are hoping a refreshed Kawhi is back by the playoffs, but who knows? The West is brutal.

[iBall101]

I’ll predict top 8
1. Lakers
2. Jazz
3. Nuggets
4. Suns
5. Warriors
6. Blazers
7. Clippers
8. Mavericks

[Clav]

01: Jazz - This team should be in the 55+ W category and will gain a lot of wins vs. the bottom 5-7 teams in the West, and the bottom 9 teams in the East most nights.
02: Suns - Without much change to an NBA Finals roster, I expect PHX to do pretty well overall and rack up W's, CP3 might rest a bit more in the RS, but he, Ayton, Bridges, Booker, should be able to bring this team into title contention again. I'm enthusiastic about this team.
03: Nuggets - 2021 MVP and eventually getting Murray back will be great for the Nugs. They should be sharp and this could be the year they push for a WCF berth or more!
04: Warriors - Thompson, Curry, Wiggins, Green and a squad of young players get the opportunity to make a big splash.
05: Lakers - I really think they have the talent to be top-3 but there are a lot of question marks on health and consistency. I see Russ and Lebron operating better than expected, and AD should have a good season providing his body is reasonably healthy, can its bench supply enough to keep the team afloat when the stars are resting. If I'm right on this, Dubs Lakers 1st Rd will be spicy and must-watch NBA basketball.
06: Mavericks - I'd like to see DAL move up higher, but Luka has to play out of his mind to bring this roster higher than 3. So far, they're still in the contending, but not WCF or Finals contender group. Getting Dragic would be huge.
07: Blazers - Another year of a fight through the competitive West. I can't see PDX up in the top-4 (They are not as good as NW opponents Jazz and Nuggets), or above LAL. Hope Dame stays locked in.
08: Clippers - A team that coasted last year and got into POs won't have the same luxury this season. They will need PG13 to step up with its other talented players. Can Jackson have a resurgent season, will Serge and other role players excel while the Klaw is out for the year until POs ? I have doubts, and Clips being in the lottery is a terrible outcome for the franchise due to its traded pick. (but great for the team I like!)

PLAY IN
09: Grizzlies - It will come down to the end of the season for many of these teams, I think MEM ends up in the Play-in, again. They have toughness and talent around. Grizz is a good dark-horse team that could actually break out if they get on a roll or Morant is hot and posts an above-average TS% season. (he was 53% last year, pushing that to 57 to 59 would be spectacular for the Grizz to open up their offense and his game)
10: Pelicans - Despite BI and Zion (and Valanciunius) they are not the best constructed in the 1 and 2, and have a shallow bench. I think they struggle to stop high-powered offenses during the year. They need big seasons from all three of these players.

ELIMINATED
11: Timberwolves - This year will show improvement, but also show how hard it is to get into the playoffs.

12: Kings - I'm thinking it will be closer than expected to get into POs, but in the end, talent wins and the Kings are a bit light on it.

13: Rockets - They're going to have a lot of up and down games with a young roster and Wall who might have a similar season to the last one. Good draft picks, but probably around 30-35 wins and a lot of inconsistency as teams are able to scout the young guys.

14: Spurs - Losing Mills, Gay, and Derozan makes this team pretty young and no player on this team is going to be an absolutely 1A star this year. Looking for the Lottery.

15: Thunder - SGA might lead them to some really nice wins, but other than he and Dort, this team is less talented than every other Western Conf. team by a fair margin. The bench is mostly G-Leaguers or players trying to make their name. Giddey looks skilled, but he's unproven and Poku is a fun player but not ready yet to carry. It will be a sad year for the team I follow the closest, so cheers to the lottery, and hoping the tank doesn't bring bad basketball karma for a decade.

[Ballerhogger]

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

Suns and Jazz at the top because they really are regular season warriors. For me Lakers are the actual best team in the West. But LeBron is a grandpa now. He is going to get more rest than ever before.

Looks pretty good i agree

[TheRealKaboom]

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...

You too, huh?

[Bball_Truth]

Lakers
Warriors
Suns
Jazz
Clippers
Nuggets
Mavericks
Trailblazers
Pelicans
Grizzlies
Timberwolves
Kings
Thunder
Spurs
Rockets
Thunder

This prediction is based on the current Las Vegas odds of who will win the 2022 NBA finals

https://www.vegasinsider.com/nba/odds/futures/

[MTJazzv3]

Been scrolling this thread since up and I agree Utah fits in the top three or else no one watched Conley and Mitchell go down with injury at the wrong moment after dominating the RS. Jazz are still dangerous. Subtle upgrades with Whiteside and Gay, plus it looks like Forrest and Uzibuke are going to crack the rotation harder. Jazz were RIGHT there coming out of the West until that.

[HeatIn5]

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


This conference is so good

[babyjax13]

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

Playoffs
1. Jazz vs. 8. Trailblazers (win play-in) ---> Jazz
2. Suns vs. 7. Clippers (win play-in) ---> Suns
3. Lakers vs. 6. Nuggets ---> Lakers
4. Warriors vs. 5. Mavericks ---> Warriors

2nd round:
Jazz vs. Warriors ---> Warriors
Suns vs. Lakers ---> Lakers

Conference Finals
Warriors vs. Lakers ---> Warriors

[Catchall]

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

Playoffs
1. Jazz vs. 8. Trailblazers (win play-in) ---> Jazz
2. Suns vs. 7. Clippers (win play-in) ---> Suns
3. Lakers vs. 6. Nuggets ---> Lakers
4. Warriors vs. 5. Mavericks ---> Warriors

2nd round:
Jazz vs. Warriors ---> Warriors
Suns vs. Lakers ---> Lakers

Conference Finals
Warriors vs. Lakers ---> Warriors

So the Warriors' lineup should be ---

Wiseman / Looney
Draymond / Bjelica / Iggy
Klay / OPJ / Kuminga
Wiggins / Poole / Moody
Curry / Mannion

You think they win the West?