The West to me is weird. Like... yeah the Nuggets and Grizzlies are great, but does anyone expect them to actually make the Finals too? The Kings are also somehow the 4 seed and Pelicans are the 3 seed, but I don't expect them to go on deep runs in the playoffs either.
Idk... it just feels like all Golden State has to do is make it in the Top-6, and then go on a run from there in the postseason. I'm not that convinced the other teams in the West can go on a run and make the Finals, and the Suns have also fallen off big time compared to last season. Warriors are the only one in that mix who strike me as a real contender and playoff-ready team for obvious reasons. The others kind of have to prove themselves. Mavs with Doncic could be that team but idk if they have enough outside of Doncic against an elite team in a series
I will say though, if the Warriors are bounced out and someone else reaches the Finals, then any team from the East (possibly Boston) should be able to take them down in a series
I wouldn't discount the Pelicans or Grizzlies if they are healthy come playoff time and Luka could all nuts at any time making them a tough out. That said, I think the Nuggets should be the favorites. They have the reigning back to back MVP and a solid team around him. His team hasn't performed well with him on the floor in the last several post seasons, but he should be due this year.
The Warriors have looked old. I'm not sure they have another run in them as their young guys just aren't good enough to carry them.
As weird as this is to say, I also wouldn't count out either LA team. They obviously need Davis and Kawhi to be healthy, but if they are they'd both have 2 of the 3 best players in any series they played (except each other obviously) and that matters a lot in a playoff series.
