NBA: Predicting Top 8 Western Conference Teams

The Western Conference just seems to be getting better and better and better. This year, it's not going to be any easier for teams to make the playoffs. Eastern Conference teams will have an easier time. Who will end up in the final 8th cedes? Is your team in it? Don't agree? Read the passage, or comment below.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Love is brilliant. He's just absolutely brilliant. Put that together with Ricky Rubio, the guy who was once a 15 year old pro, then the Timberwolves should be golden. Wait! There's more. Brandon Roy and Andre Kirilenko have also joined the Wolves' roster. That adds more scoring, and better defense. The Wolves are also experienced, which is why they deserve the final playoff spot.

7. Golden State Warriors: Although the Dubs are not hyped by anyone else but the bay area critics, they will for sure do well this season. They have a backcourt that works, a strong SF, an even stronger PF, and an all-star center. All of their backups could also be starters on the team! This is how deep the Warriors are. Who knows? They just might steal a series win from the Lakers in the first round. If the Dubs are indeed in the playoffs, their home crowd will carry them far.

6. Denver Nuggets: I wish I could place the Nuggets higher, but there's no space for them. There's just too many good teams out there. Andre Iquadala is a huge upgrade from Al Harrington and Aaron Aflalo. The Nugget fans are lucky to get an all-star player, and olympian. He and Lawson will carry this team to at least the 6th cede.

5. Memphis Grizzlies: Year after year after year, the Grizzlies continually make the playoffs. Although they were really good the past few seasons, they're short of a missing piece that can't be ignored. Till they figure out what that is, they'll never be higher on the list.

4. Dallas Mavericks: Elton Brand, Dirk Nowitzki, OJ Mayo, Chris Kaman, and Rodrigue Beaubois? Come on! If a roster like that doesn't win, that's rare. The Mavericks didn't get Williams, didn't get Howard, but they got depth. I do have to put them this high on the list.

3. LA Clippers: The Clippers are a young and upcoming team in the NBA. With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, both all-stars, the Clippers are on there way to winning a couple titles in the near future. They do, however lack experience, chemistry, and one missing piece. That would be a strong SF. Caron Butler, a down-on-his-luck star, just won't cut it.

2. LA Lakers: Although the Lakers have added Howard to their roster, they're still not the team to beat in the West. That still belongs to you know who. Kobe, Nash, and Howard will without a doubt get their team high up in the rankings, but can their bench support them enough to keep them there? I guess we'll find out.

1. OKC: No questions asked? Good.

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