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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 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) celebrates against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated Sacramento Kings 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) celebrates against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated Sacramento Kings 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Projected Starting Lineup: Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Chandler Parsons, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol

After Marc Gasol was lost for the season, the expectations immediately dropped from the Memphis Grizzlies. Even though they still managed to make the playoffs, anything that happened after Gasol’s injury (at the NBA All-Star break) was icing on the cake.

Despite making the playoffs, somehow, the Grizzlies’ fate was sealed when it was realized that Mike Conley would miss the postseason, too.

Heading into next season, after a huge free agency period in which Memphis inked Conley and Chandlers Parsons to max deals, the Grizzlies are primed to make the run back up the Western Conference standings.

If this team can remain healthy for the entire season, it’s going to be interesting to see how far they can go.

Next: No. 3

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