The Western Conference loves to gloat how they are the better and tougher of the two NBA conferences. To be honest, the West can gloat all they want, they have a greater level of competition and lots of teams with championship potential. Last summer’s free agency certainly changed the aspects of a lot of these teams, even though right now, there looks to be a few franchises with a strong chance to dethrone LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
With the NBA season winding down and playoffs just around the corner, every game counts. There are less than 25 games left and there currently is a tight race for who’s going to make the postseason and who will finish with the first seed. Here is a prediction of the top eight seeds that will be representing the Western Conference during this year’s playoffs:
1) San Antonio Spurs
Record: 61-21
Courtesy: Rant Sports
Gregg Popovich is one hell of a coach. It was tough seeing San Antonio loss in the last year’s NBA Finals, but the team has one last shot to win it all, and they have been making the most of it; actually having one of the easiest remaining schedules. There are only two thought match ups left for the team, one against the Indiana Pacers and one against the Golden State Warriors, other than those, the team looks to be smooth sailing.
The Spurs are 9-1 in their last 10 games; Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have been looking great this season. Both are still playing at elite levels, as the team’s current leading scorers. This past offseason, the Spurs signed Marco Belinelli and he has been playing great for off the bench. He is averaging 11. 3 points, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from behind the arc. His shooting could be a key bench factor come postseason.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 60-22
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Oklahoma City has been right behind the Spurs for the most part of the 2013-14 season. Kevin Durant is having stellar season and he will most likely be taking home his first MVP award. I firmly believe the Thunder are the best team in the West, but competing for the first seed with the consistent Spurs is a tough job. Though they have been getting used to having Russell Westbrook back on the floor, it is most likely that Westbrook and Durant will take this team back to the Western Conference Finals this postseason.
Kevin Durant appears hungrier than ever this season and he is tired of being in second place, so teams in the West better be paying attention to the Thunder.
3) Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 56-26
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
With the addition of Doc Rivers, the Los Angeles Clippers have been looking to revenge their early exit from last year’s postseason. LA has a very tough schedule down the stretch, so earning the third spot will not be easy, but I believe Chris Paul has the ability to get the job done for the Clippers. It has been reported he keeps playing through pain in his ankle, this which could be costly to their playoff chances.
Compared to last season, the Clippers have an improved roster, a better head coach and are looking better on the defensive end. It would be a shock to see these guys lose in the first round.
4) Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 52 -30
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
The Trail Blazers surprised everyone this season. This young team is playing great and will bring Portland its first winning season and its first trip to the postseason for the first time since 2010-2011 season. Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge help make Portland one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the West. Though their production has slowed down the second half of the season, I am expecting a late surge from Portland to improve their seeding.
5) Houston Rockets
Record 51-31
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
The Rockets are currently in 4th place and right above Portland. Unfortunately for Houston, their schedule down the stretch is fairly tough. Houston has become a great team with the addition of Dwight Howard. They were pushed out of the postseason last year due to no interior presence, so with Howard, Rockets’ fans are expecting big things in the playoffs.
This is a good team, but it is obvious that they are still working out a few kinks. Houston is currently in the middle of a three game losing streak.
6) Golden State Warriors
Record: 49- 33
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Without a doubt, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are one of the best back courts in the NBA (if not tops in the league). Golden State is a lot stronger this year than last; expectations are a lot higher this year, with the addition of Andre Igoudala. I am expecting the Warriors to make some serious playoff noise.
This team is tough and their seeding undermines how good they are. The Warriors lost in last year’s postseason during the Western Conference Semifinals. Now that the team has improved and gained more experienced, do not be surprised to see them sneak their way into the Western Conference Finals.
7) Dallas Mavericks
Record: 46-36
Courtesy; MSN/Fox Sports
Dallas is very fortunate to have Dirk Nowitzki to count on; he will be their key to making the postseason. What looks like an awkward roster, has been slowly coming together for Dallas. Off season addition, Monta Ellis, is thriving with the Mavericks; he is currently averaging 18.8 points, 5.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. He has also increased his shooting ability. He is averaging 45 percent from the field and 32 percent from behind the arc. It may come as a shock for many that Dallas will make the postseason, but do not be surprised to see battling it out in the first round against one the top seeds.
8) Phoenix Suns
Record: 45 -37
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Before the season started, it looked like the Suns were preparing to tank. This season, Goran Dragic has been the leader in Phoenix. Now that the Eric Bledsoe has returned to play, the Suns should be able to make a late season push to make the playoffs. Right now, they are one game away from taking the eighth seed.
The majority of the remaining games left on Phoenix’s schedule look very winnable. The only difficulty is that the majority of these games come on the road. Without a doubt, they have the ability to sneak its way into this year’s postseason; the Suns are currently in control on their own fate.
