THE WESTERN CONFERENCE
This conference is stacked compared to the East. The main contenders for the West could finish anywhere from one to three. Anyone could beat anyone when the playoffs start whereas the Eastern Conference should just jump straight to the Conference Finals. Yes, I've left out the Trailblazers!!
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder
(60/22)
Once the laughing stock of the NBA. Now they have become one of the powerhouses. The Thunder have been solid with their main point guard Russell Westbrook sidelined with injury but with him back into the line-up, OKC have struggled to function as a unit. On a team where you have Westbrook and Kevin Durant as your stars, and a ball game is on the line, these guys have to put the team first and their egos aside. This is the only downfall I can see for this team.
#2 San Antonio Spurs
(60/22)
The team that keeps on giving us boring basketball but they also keep getting wins too. It's hard for me to gauge this team as I don't believe they are traveling as well as their record suggests yet they keep getting wins. With the French sensation Tony Parker running the offense and the ‘Big Fundamental’ Tim Duncan locking the opposition down in defence, they could still make the finals despite of their age but because of their age. I think their good run will come to an end this year.
#3 Houston Rockets
(60/22)
Yes, I have three teams on the same record. That's just how I see things and if I had to choose one right now out of the three, I would choose the Rockets. These guys have been ballin' since the 1st of January leading the NBA with wins. Their starting five is probably the best-rounded starting five in the game. A big key for the Rockets is Chandler Parsons who I believe is the leagues Most Improved Player. When Parsons is on, the Rockets fly. They will go deep this year. Just how deep, I'm not too sure.
#4 Los Angeles Clippers
(56/26)
- The Clips have now overtaken their bigger brother in the Lakers. They are the highlight reel of the NBA with classic dimes from Chris Paul to thunderous throw down dunks from Blake Griffen and DeAndre Jordan. Unfortunately for the Clippers, this doesn't translate to playoff success. They need a lock down defender to seriously challenge for the title.