Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: Predicting the West playoff picture at the midway point of the 2017-18 season

By Brandon Osborne

NBA Trade Rumors Houston Rockets Eric Gordon (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
NBA Trade Rumors Houston Rockets Eric Gordon (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts in the final minutes of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts in the final minutes of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

9. Utah Jazz

Current Seed: 10th 

Record: 17-24

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 20

The Jazz have struggled without Gordon Hayward this season and to make matters worse their Ricky Rubio move hasn’t come close to paying off. Utah did make the wise choice in drafting Donovan Mitchell who looks like one of the favorites for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.

Prediction: 9th

10. LA Clippers

Current Seed: 9th

Record: 20-21

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 26

The Clippers had a roster that was playoff worthy but after many significant injuries this season it appears they don’t have much of a shot.

Prediction: 10th

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11. Phoenix Suns

Current Seed: 11th

Record: 16-26

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 24

The Suns are still in the midst of a rebuild so the playoffs should remain far from their minds. Phoenix has some nice pieces and could be getting closer to battling for a playoff spot.

Prediction: 11th

12. Dallas Mavericks

Current Seed: 12th 

Record: 15-28

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 20

The Mavericks have some good players but this roster is still not ready. Dennis Smith Jr. should be playing more.

Prediction: 12th

13. Memphis Grizzlies

Current Seed: 14th 

Record: 13-27

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 22

Memphis has had a nightmare season filled with injuries, firing a head coach, and wondering about trading Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies shouldn’t finish last in the West but they won’t do much better.

Prediction: 13th

14. Los Angeles Lakers

Current Seed: 13th 

Record: 13-27

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 24

The Lakers are starting to get some pieces ready and with the teams big plans for the summer, they could be in the playoffs soon. However, that won’t be this season.

Prediction: 14th

15. Sacramento Kings

Record: 13-28

Games remaining vs .500 or better: 22

The Kings remain a mess as they rank last in the NBA in both offensive and defensive rating. This franchise is still years away.

Prediction: 15th

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