NBA Season Preview: Western Conference

Western Conference


Northwest Division


Denver Nuggets
Last Year: 2nd (Lost in Conferfence 1st Round)
Prediction: 4th

Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Year: 5th
Prediction: 5th

Oklahoma City Thunder 
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference Finals)
Prediction: 1st


Portland Trail Blazers
Last Year: 3rd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 2nd

Utah Jazz
Last Year: 4th
Prediction: 3rd

Analysis: The Thunder stormed the division last year, and their young squad, anchored by Kevin Durant (last season's overall top scorer) and Russell Westbrook will thrive in the compressed season. The Nuggets lost Carmelo Anthony late last season and haven't replaced his talent. Their squad is solid, but lacks that spark that will push them into the upper echelon. The Blazers will benerfit from the Nuggets misfortune, and should make another playoff run, while the Jazz could be an outside bet for the #8 seed. Minnesota are quite simply terrible, and while Kevin Love will be joined by Derrick Williams out of Arizona, and the enigmatic Spaniard Ricky Rubio, it won't be enough to stop them being the division's basement boys again.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors
Last Year: 3rd
Prediction: 4th

Los Angeles Clippers
Last Year: 4th
Prediction: 1st

Los Angeles Lakers
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference Semifinals)
Prediction: 2nd

Phoenix Suns
Last Year: 2nd
Prediction: 3rd

Sacramento Kings
Last Year: 5th
Prediction: 5th


Analysis: LA is very much a Laker city, but their noisy neighbours might just have something to say about it this year. With Chris Paul joinging up with Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin, and the further acquisition of Chauncey Billups, the Clippers have never looked this good. The Lakers on the other hand are a worse team than last year with the loss of Lamar Odom, but may have a chance at obtaining Dwight Howard, who would be a massive acquisition for them. The two Los Angeles clubs will fight it out for the division, with the Clippers winning by a couple of games. The Suns ageing roster could be a problem, with key players Grant Hill and Steve Nash 39 and 37 respectively. Nash's trade value is still high though, and a move away, as much as it would pain me to see him leave, could be the best thing for the team - provided there is good enough talent coming back. With shrewd drafting the last few years (Robin Lopez and Markieff Morris especially) the Suns should make a decent run for the playoffs. The Warriors and the KIngs will battle over the wooden spoon, and another season as basement boys could facilitate the Kings much talked about move to Anaheim.

Southwestern Division


Dallas Mavericks
Last Season: 2nd (NBA Champions)
Prediction: 3rd


Houston Rockets
Last Season: 5th
Prediction: 5th

Memphis Grizzlies
Last Season: 4th (Lost in Conference Semifinals)
Prediction: 1st

New Orleans Hornets
Last Season: 3rd (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 4th

San Antonio Spurs
Last Year: 1st (Lost in Conference 1st Round)
Prediction: 2nd

Analysis: Without question the strongest division in the NBA last season, there will be a major shakeup in the Southwest this time around. The Mavericks may have won it all in June, but their squad is starting to show its age. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd will still have major influence, and the pickup of Lamar Odom will see them well, but don't expect another championship year. The Grizzlies were the surprise package in the playoffs lat year, and with youth on their side, will enjoy themselves again this season. The Spurs were impressive in the regular season last time round, but fell short in the playoffs. Ginobli, Parker and Duncan may be getting older, but that trio will still win games. Houston finished bottom of the division last year, but 9th in the conference. However, they will be basement boys again, as even after losing Chris Paul, the Hornets still have a lot of talent. Although being owned by the league may not work in their favour.