Post by pudgejeff on May 20, 2009 14:37:47 GMT -8
With the All-star break behind us and the trade deadline upon us it's time to see where the West stands for the playoffs and to see who has the best chance at dethroning the Utah Jazz.
#1 Seed: Phoenix Suns
W:40 L:13
They're talented and deep up front with Coleman and Barkley leading the way and Miller and Blount coming of the bench. They dominate the inside for 48 min and have great guard play from the starters. They're defense is second to none as everyone contributes. They look to be the run away champs now with Chicago trading away Jordan and continuing to shake up there team. I feel sorry for whoever gets the #8 seed.
Postseason Forecast:The Western Conference Champions and a 60/40 favorite in the finals against Chicago.
Key to Success: Staying Healthy.
#2 Seed: Utah Jazz
W:37 L:18
The defending champs got off to a very slow start but have come roaring back behind MVP candidate Karl Malone, going 14-2 in one stretch and are looking to challenge for the #1 spot. But with the Suns leading the season series 3-1 they may need to look to make an upgrade somewhere to get them over the top.
Postseason Forecast:Losing in the Western Conference finals to the Suns in a less than entertaining series in which they struggle to score.
Key to Success: Finding a better scorer on the wing.
#3 Seed: Denver Nuggets
W:38 L:18
What a huge difference and off-season can make. They added Sabonis through the draft and Mark Jackson and Glen Rice via free agency, making them a contender in the west. They are still a little young for this year but watch out for next year when they return everyone but Rauf who they most likely will re-sign making them the front runner going into next year.
Postseason Forecast: 2nd round exit in a hard fought series with the Jazz gaining there young core valuable playoff experience.
Key to success: Keeping everyone around and adding another piece in the draft.
#4 Seed: Portland Trailblazers
W:33 L:19
A team that looked to be rebuilding coming into the season never pieced out there team like they had planned. With Uncle Cliffy coming of age right before our eyes and becoming the dominant interior scorer and rebounder we all knew he could be they're playing way above there heads. No one thought it would last but here we are 3/4 of the way through the season and they just 3.5 games out of 2nd place and only one game in the loss column.
Postseason Forecast: An embarrassing 2nd round loss to the Suns going into an off-season with no cap space and no picks for 2 years leaving the team mediocre.
Key to Success: Either finding a way to get cap space for next year or upgrade to challenge this year.
#5 Seed: Houston Rockets
W:32 L:25
A good team with one of the best players in the league. But with losing there GM this late in the season it'll be hard for them to get over the top. With not a lot of youth to build on and no picks the next 2 years there gonna have to hope to make a splash in free agency next year.
Postseason Forecast: First round loss to the Trailblazers and a daunting off-season approaching for there lucky new GM.
Key to success: Finding a direction to take the team.
#6 Seed: Los Angeles Lakers
W:30 L:28
Looks like they've finally found a rotation matching inside scoring and good defense while rotating 3 guards with A-. A-. and A handles. They are trending up with a 7-3 record in there last 10 and are a dangerous 6 seed.
Postseason Forecast: A tough 2nd round matchup against a team with similar strengths but better scoring, losing in 6 games.
Key to success: If they wanna challenge they're going to need to trade a pick to secure another scorer.
#7 seed: Seattle Supersonics
W:26 L:24
Losing Ricky Pierce was a huge blow. And buying him out was a bad idea for this season as it essentially puts it in the bag but it's a great move going into next year. They're pick shouldn't be terrible and they should have a little cap room after re-signing payton.
Postseason Forecast: First round loss in 5 games to the Jazz. Just not enough firepower this year.
Key to success: Adding another scorer in the off-season and they'll be a great team next year.
#8 Seed: Los Angeles Clippers
A disappointing season after last years run. The loss of PG Mark Jackson can not be over stated. Have the great tandem of Roberts and Manning down low but need a PG with at least B handles to distribute.
Postseason Forecast: First round sweep by the phoenix suns.
Key to success: Adding a good young PG for the future to get the ball to the big guys.
Teams Just missing out:
San Antonio Spurs:
W:28 L:28
Adding Jordan was huge but have no post game without The Admiral.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
W:25 L:28 Making some late season moves to make a push but it might be too little too late in such a strong Western conference.
