As you probably know, the NBA’s Western Conference is extremely competitive and stacked with good teams. Here is who I think will be the top 8 teams in the West when the regular season ends:
1. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have been almost unstoppable so far this year. They are a remarkable 31-5. They have had some key injuries along the way (David Lee and Andrew Bogut have missed time) They are getting Andrew Bogut back soon who helps them on defense. If Bogut is healthy in the playoffs this team is fully capable of winning it all.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are currently 3rd in the Western Conference. I think they will only get better because they traded for Jeff Green. Green will make them a better offensive team. No one wants to play this team in the playoffs
3. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have struggled so far this year, they are currently 7th in the Western Conference. The reason why they have struggled is because of injuries. Tony Parker has missed 14 games, Kawhi Leonard has missed 18 games, Patty Mills has missed 31 games and Tiago Splitter has missed 22 games. Once Leonard comes back I expect the Spurs to take off.
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are currently 5th in the Western Conference. Once they get fully adjusted to playing with Rajon Rondo, I don’t see why this team can’t be an elite team in the West. The Mavericks are currently 2nd in the entire NBA in points per game. And I think the addition of Rondo will help their defense.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are currently 6th in the Western Conference. I don’t think this team will fall back because I trust Chris Paul and Blake Griffin
6. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are currently 4th in the Western Conference. I have them falling back a little bit because I don’t know if Harden can keep playing at an MVP level. I also think that their lack off bench productivity will catch up to them. They are currently 27th in the entire NBA in bench points.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are currently 10th in the Western Conference. As you probably know the reason for that is because their 2 superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have missed a lot of time due to injuries. I think the Dion Waiters trade will help them also. I think this team will take off soon.
8. Portland Trail Blazers
Yes, I know they are currently 2nd in the Western Conference. But don’t let that fool you, they had a very good start last year also but they played like an average team over the final stretch. The West is tougher this year than it was last year so that’s a big reason why I expect them to fall back.
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