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NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Western Conference Playoff Field

By Michael Saenz

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Just Missed The Cut

These are two teams that can easily make the top 8 in the Western Conference, but clearly have a bit of work to do before we can crown them playoff teams. In this case, proving that they can continue to develop (Wolves) and stay healthy (Pelicans).

Minnesota Timberwolves – With a core of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and now Kris Dunn, how can you not like what the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing? Not to mention that they added Tom Thibodeau in the offseason. There’s no question that Minnesota’s future is bright. No doubt about it. However, I’m just not sure if this team is ready for the type of jump – the playoff run. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised either way.

New Orleans Pelicans – It’s almost like KAT made us forget about Anthony Davis. To no surprise of anyone at all, that was probably because Davis was injured for the last month of the season last year. Overall, he missed 21 games – the story of his career thus far. Through four years of his short career, Davis hasn’t played 70 games in a single season yet. I’m not sure if that’s something that should be considered concerning, but that’s not ideal. I just can’t count on the Pelicans staying healthy for an entire season.

Next: No. 8

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