NBA: Way-too-early playoff predictions for the 2021-22 season

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NBA Phoenix Suns Chris Paul and Devin Booker (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) /

1. Phoenix Suns

Coming off a run to the NBA Finals in which they fell two games short of winning the championship, you can’t help but feel like the Phoenix Suns are coming off somewhat of a disappointing season.

That said, there is much to be encouraged about for this team heading into the new year. Chris Paul is back, Devin Booker is only going to get better, and the young core of this team showed that it is good enough to complete on the highest level in the postseason.

I’m not sure if the Suns will be able to replicate the success that they had last season, especially in the playoffs, but there’s no question that this team is built to run through the Western Conference during the regular season.