Western Conference

[CURVE]

Do you think with the way things are heading in the West that a legitimate contender could miss the playoffs.

In the Pacific, The Lakers and the Kings showed last season they are very strong, and should remain so this year. Seattle and the Clippers have made major gains in the offseason and an injury free Portland is still a threat. I haven't heard a great deal about Phoenix in the off season, but they have very rarely missed the playoffs two years running.

In the Mid West, the Spurs, Mavs and Wolves are all top class teams that have legit claims, and althougth the Jazz are a little old, are still capable. Houston, Denver and Memphis will probably struggle.

That's 9 or 10 teams that could conceivably make the playoff and most of them would have legit claims to Finals. It will make the playoffs very interesting.

 

[jod23]

I agree....there are the Lakers, Kings, Mavs, Spurs and T-Wolves that are almost certainties and with Seattle's good trading and the Clippers obvious improvement. That already 7.

Portland injury free are always a threat, the Jazz whilst old are still quality, not sure if they have one more run left though? Cant discount the Suns and the Rockets given a healthy Franchise and the Ming Dynasty should certainly push for a playoff spot.

Perhaps there not all legit NBA Finals teams but there are certainly a lot of quality teams in the West. I think the East could struggle again though, the Nets are now the hunted rather than the hunters themselves. The C's have gone backwards with the Baker trade. Perhaps its the Magic with a healthy Hill to contend?