Playing in a division with the Lakers and Phoenix Suns doesn't do them any favors either. However, they are still a few players away from being legitimate threats in the Western Conference. Golden State Warriors - The Warriors are a team that is definitely on the rise. It's safe to say, if the franchise has absolutely no expectations of making a trip to the playoffs, fans probably shouldn't place any wagers on that team going anywhere fast.Ģ. Minnesota Timberwolves - The Wolves played things well during the offseason, taking out an advertisement in local papers that let fans know they don't expect to make the postseason this year. These teams probably shouldn't make any plans to make the postseason unless they catch fire unexpectedly:ġ. It seems like the Blazers always struggle to keep their core players healthy, but if Brandon Roy can stay healthy this season, I would definitely expect Portland to make a trip to the playoffs this season with a fairly high seed. Portland Trail Blazers - Health is a major factor in Portland's ability to lock up a high seed in the postseason, but I think it is something the franchise will overcome this season.
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Even if they somehow manage to fail to grab home-court in the first round, plan on seeing Dirk Nowitzki the Mavericks in the playoffs.Ĥ. While they likely won't grab one of the top two seeds in the West, they should be in the running for third. Dallas Mavericks - The Mavericks are a team that has been a regular face in the playoffs during the past decade, and I wouldn't expect that trend to stop this year. Look for them to improve upon last season by snagging a top playoff seed this year.ģ. While they didn't push the Lakers all the way in their opening round matchup, they certainly didn't go away quietly. Oklahoma City Thunder - The Thunder barely squeezed into the postseason last year, but they made some noise when they got there. Only a major injury to one of their core players can derail Los Angeles from home-court advantage in at least the first round of the playoffs.Ģ. Los Angeles Lakers - The two-time defending NBA champion Lakers will likely tear through the competition in the regular season en route to one of the top two seeds in the West. These teams would have to have some incredibly bad luck to squander their chances to make a trip to the postseason this year:ġ. This will be a team-by-team look at the Western Conference and whether or not Memphis can beat out the competition to make a return to the playoffs this season. Their are several teams that are almost guaranteed to be playing postseason reservations, but there are always at least three or four playoff spots that are wide open for the taking.
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Mayo, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies back to the postseason.
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They have built their franchise around SF Rudy Gay, who will look to lead O.J. The Grizzlies have completely reinvented their roster. Then came the days of Hubie Brown-50 wins-and three trips to the postseason.Īnd now, the Grizzlies are finally putting on the finishing touches of their rebuilding effort that went into effect after the Grizzlies third straight postseason sweep. They were a struggling, raw group of players when the team first arrived in Memphis. The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a decade-long roller coaster as they get their 10th season in Memphis underway.