The West looks strong again in 2022 and like last year we can make a strong case for this side of the bracket producing the eventual NBA\u00a0 finals winner. Most of last year’s playoff teams look likely to at least reach the “play in” tournament, with the notable exception being Utah who has traded virtually all their veterans.<\/p>\n
It should be a better year for Los Angles this time around and we expect much more from the Clippers and the Lakers. The Clippers should be at full strength this time around and if LBJ and Anthony Davies stay fit the Lakers could surprise a few.<\/p>\n
Anyway here are our divisional predictions together with our final Western Conference Playoff Bracket.<\/p>\n
The big story in the Northwest is the Utah Jazz and their tear-it-down and start again close season. They have traded away most of their starters and it is only a matter of time before Mike Conley joins the exodus. With Rudy Gobert now at divisional rivals the Timberwolves and Donovan Mitchell, Patrick Beverley, and Bojan Bogdanovic gone, Utah is likely to finish bottom of the division.<\/p>\n
Given the Thunder will be without No 2 draft Pick Chet Holmgren this season the Northwestern division looks like being a straight fight between Minnesota & Denver. The Nuggets signed Nikola\u00a0Jokic to a multi-year and with extension three of Michael Porter Jr. & Jamal Murray alongside him. should prevail and a 50-plus win season is in the offing.<\/p>\n
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a win-now mode having mortgaged their future to acquire Rudy Gobert<\/a>. They gave up a lot to get him but he will improve their defense massively. They returned to the playoffs last year after a four-year absence and barring injuries should be there again.<\/p>\n The LA Clippers had injury problems last year, but now at full strength look as good as any team in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard & Paul George head the roster but there is plenty of depth there too. They will need it as this looks like a very competitive division.<\/p>\n Last year’s champions Golden State have kept the core of their team together, however, they have lost both Otto Porter & Gary Payton II. Their bench is considerably weaker without these two even if their starting five are as good as any. They will be a threat again but maybe a repeat is a dribble too far.<\/p>\n The Lakers had a bit of a disaster last year. They ended up missing the postseason entirely and are being overlooked this year. Much of last year’s woes was down to injuries and if Anthony Davises can stay on the court in 2022 they should make the play in places at least. Le Bron James is still playing at an elite level and if he gets some support they could make a run. It’s a big if though.<\/p>\n The Southwest looks interesting this year and there could be a dark horse or two lurkings here. What we can say for sure is that Neither the Spurs nor the Rockets look like contending. They should fight it out for the wooden spoon in 2022.\u00a0 The Grizzlies & Mavericks both lost to Golden State in the playoffs, however, both have improved.<\/p>\n Memphis had a good draft and we are looking forward to seeing how Jake LaRavia plays in his rookie season. He had an impressive final year and will add some shooting prowess off the bench.<\/p>\n Jake LaRavia & Santi Aldama link up on the lob \ud83d\udc3b<\/p>\n *Dillon Brooks likes what he’s seeing*<\/p>\n Live Now on ESPN 2 pic.twitter.com\/Y2AdrI3iZ5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nPacific Division<\/h2>\n
Southwest Division<\/h2>\n
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