Western Conference Playoff Predictions

Predicting the Western Conference Playoff picture for the 2020-21 NBA Season:

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The defending champions only got better this offseason, adding Sixth Man of the Year and the runner up, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder, and NBA champion and former DPOY, Marc Gasol. The Lakers are re-loaded and ready to make another championship run.

1. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have decided to bring back their core from last year, and added Serge Ibaka, who will add size inside and three point shooting that Harrell lacked. A healthy Clippers team looking to silence their doubters will be scary for opponents.

1. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets lost some key pieces after their amazing playoff run last year, but with the projected improvement of young players Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol, and the return of Gary Harris and Will Barton, the Nuggets are poised for another great season.

1. Dallas Mavericks

At this point in the standings, every game counts and most of these teams will probably be within a few games of moving up or down many spots. However, the Mavericks are poised for a great season, as Luka returns with MVP aspirations with Porzingis by his side.

1. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns entered the NBA bubble on fire, and went 8-0 without their third best player Kelly Oubre ever stepping on the court. With the addition of future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, and young stars Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton ready to step up, the Suns have their most promising season ahead in years.

1. Portland Trail Blazers

Since Damian Lillard was drafted in 2012, the Blazers have not missed the playoffs once. This year will be no different with the return of Jusuf Nurkic to full health and the additions of Robert Covinton and Derrick Jones Jr.

1. Golden State Warriors

3 time champion and 2 time MVP Steph Curry is set to make his return, but without his partner in crime, Klay Thompson. The Warriors will remain competitive but there are still questions surrounding key players Andrew Wiggins and rookie James Wiseman regarding how they will perform.

1. Houston Rockets / Utah Jazz

The Houston Rockets will 100% be in the playoffs, and likely at a higher seed if James Harden decides to stop the drama and play with the new additions of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Christian Wood. However, with all the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Rockets, their season is up in the air, and if they fall out of the playoffs, the Jazz will most likely take their spot.