We'll finish up our league-wide predictions with a trip to the home of the defending champs. I have the Pacific division sending two teams to the playoffs. Predictions and thoughts after the jump.
1. Lakers (59-23) - In my opinion, signing Artest was an unnecessary risk. Ariza was a perfect fit for what the Lakers need - a player to take the toughest defensive assignment, to save Kobe, and hit open threes once in a while - Artest is a step slower, and really needs the ball too much for his role. I think we could see some turmoil in that locker room, but not enough to knock them out of the top seed in the West.
2. Suns (44-38) - If Amare spends the season in Phoenix, and remains healthy, the Suns make their hiatus from the playoffs a one-year deal.
3. Clippers (30-52) - The subtraction of Zach Randolph makes more of a difference than the addition of Blake Griffin, still, 30 wins is their ceiling.
4. Warriors (28-54) - The Stephen Jackson situation will not end well. I like the young talent, but I think Nellie is on the verge of losing that team.
5. Kings (18-64) - Tyreke Evans and Kevin Martin (if healthy) will probably put up unbelievable numbers in Paul Westphal's offense, but it won't make a whole lot of difference in the grand scheme of things.
Here's your playoff seeding:
1. Lakers
2. Spurs
3. Utah
4. Dallas
5. New Orleans
6. Denver
7. Portland
8. Phoenix
Thoughts in the comments. Camp is underway!!!!!!!!!!
Are you sure you have the Pacific division sending three teams to the playoffs?
Fixed. Meant to go back and change that.
Haha, no problem. I wasn`t trying to be an ass or anything.
I'd say...
1. Lakers
2. Spurs
3. New Orleans
4. Denver
5. Utah
6. Dallas
7. Portland
8. Phoenix
p.s. what jeff said.