Western Conference Playoff Prediction
1. Golden State Warriors (74-8)
2. San Antonio Spurs (68-14)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (58-24)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (53-29)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (47-35)
6. Portland Trail Blazers (46-36)
7. Houston Rockets (43-41)
8. Dallas Mavericks (42-42)
……………………………………..
9. Utah Jazz (41-41)
The real race of the Western Conference will be between the Rockets, Mavericks and Jazz. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised to see any one of them miss the playoffs.
Something tells me that James Harden isn’t going to let the Rockets fall into that dubious group though. There’s just something about that team that says they have too much talent NOT to make the playoffs. I get that same sense from a Dirk Nowitzki led club.
Next: Predicting The Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
At this point, I trust Harden and a Mavs team that has some talent, led by Dirk, to make the playoffs over a team that is still growing like the Jazz.
Though, I wouldn’t be surprised – again – to see the Jazz sneak it. After all, their future is definitely bright. And if Dante Exum were healthy this year, perhaps we’re having a different conversation when it comes to these Jazz.