NBA: 2022-23 Western Conference pre-season playoff projections

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NBA Anthony Edwards (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports) /

Western Conference Play-In Teams

8. New Orleans Pelicans

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

With the No. 7 and 8 seeds, I have two of the most talented young teams in the Western Conference. These are two up-and-coming teams that will have their eyes on playing spoilers throughout this season.

The New Orleans Pelicans will rely on the return of Zion Williamson to carry this team into the postseason, along with the encouraging signs that we saw from Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum last season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves made the big splash of acquiring Rudy Gobert during the offseason and the hope is that he’ll be a piece that could help this team take a step forward this season. Both of these two teams should win spots in the Play-In Tournament.