Who is coming out of the West and why?

[nebist]

The West is as wide open as any conference I can remember. If you forced me to pick who will come out right now, my top two choices would be the Suns (who have not played a single game with their best player) and the Warriors (who might plausibly miss the play-in tournament).

I really don't trust the Grizzlies, Kings, or Mavericks. The Clippers and Pelicans are never healthy. The Nuggets have never had great playoff success with their current core. Who ya got and why?

[Goldstar88]

Probably the Suns, but I hope it’s the Nuggets.

[Moranis]

It is pretty hard to predict.  I'd probably lean towards Denver at this point, but I really have no idea because I could see 5 different teams flaming out in the 1st round or making a Finals run.  It is just really weird

I'd probably put the top teams in order of likelihood to make the Finals as Denver, Los Angeles C, Dallas, Phoenix, Memphis.  I can't really see any other team making a run, but I guess some team could get hot, like if Zion somehow comes back and that team stays healthy, I think they could be a really tough out (and they played well early when they were healthier). If Curry comes back and gets back into form, he could just catch fire and go bananas for a couple of months. If Davis actually looks like a top 5 player again, the Lakers could be tough.  I don't really trust the Kings, but it is hard to deny how well they have played thus far.

The West is just really weird right now.

Not so much in the East as I'd be very surprised if the the ECF wasn't between 2 of Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia.  I guess maybe the Cavs could put it all together, but they seem like a year away at least.  If anyone else even makes the ECF it would be a massive upset (assuming relative health of course).

[td450]

The West is as wide open as any conference I can remember. If you forced me to pick who will come out right now, my top two choices would be the Suns (who have not played a single game with their best player) and the Warriors (who might plausibly miss the play-in tournament).

I really don't trust the Grizzlies, Kings, or Mavericks. The Clippers and Pelicans are never healthy. The Nuggets have never had great playoff success with their current core. Who ya got and why?

The Nuggets didn't have Murray or Porter last year. The year before, they didn't have Murray, and Porter was only 22. Jokic had very strong numbers both years.

They haven't proven anything yet, but I don't think they should be dismissed if they are healthy. They should be the favorite.

[Donoghus]

Denver. 

If the injury bug doesn't hit.

[Who]

Phoenix = Durant, Booker, CP3 & Ayton.

[Csfan1984]

I'd like it to be Nuggets but guessing it's Suns. Clippers are going to be interesting.

[Atzar]

Phoenix or Denver.  Whichever is healthy.  If both are healthy, then probably Phoenix.

[SparzWizard]

Nuggets and Suns. Yes, Nuggets in the past couldn't get it done, but this season, they look ready and poised to enter the WCF.

Don't sleep on Lakers either. They look formidable with their new additions and if LBJ and AD are healthy the remainder of the season, they could sneak into the WCF as a lower-seeded team. Hate it but ugh. Would be nice if they get bounced in the play-ins tho.

[jpotter33]

I think it’s really going to come down to seeding and health. I think you can legitimately make an argument for Denver, LAC, Phoenix, Memphis (maybe), or even the Warriors to come out of the West, but it’s all going to boil down to matchups and seeding.

A lot of people will say Denver as the favorite, but I’m just very skeptical of them. They’re very unproven in the playoffs, and Jokic is a defensive mismatch nightmare. A team like GS could essentially pull a Gobert and play Jokic off the floor by putting him in the high PnR every time down the floor. He’s also shown that he can be very turnover prone against aggressive defense targeted to him.

I think all the other contenders have similar significant question marks, too.

[gouki88]

Voting Nuggets, only because we haven't seen PHX play yet (and I don't trust them injury-wise)

[Birdman]

Denver vs Clippers in West Finals

Suns, to me, are overrated..Paul is showing his age, Durant injury prone, & they have a weak bench

Memphis can’t shut their mouths & always underperformed in playoffs

Hate to say this but watch out for the Lakers, they will make a run

Golden State look like their run is over

[86MaxwellSmart]

Lakers

[slamtheking]

going Nuggets based on health and in prime position to keep HCA through the conference playoffs.  I think that will matter a bit this year.  Phx would be the second favorite.

65% likely it's Denver.  30% Phx.  5% the field.

[Celtics4ever]

I think it will be Phoenix.  Durant plus Paul is a good combo.  I'd rate Denver 2nd too

 LeBron is a total choke artist.  Davis is fragile.   King James is still very productive but the freak athlete has become an athlete.