[2/20/24] #44 - Western Conference

[2/20/24] Western Conference

Minnesota is the current 1 seed.

I've been publicly critical of the wolves. I still don't have a ton of faith in the postseason outlook.

Gobert is a defensive wizard except when facing Jokic or Davis. Towns scores in bunches except when it matters. Edwards still hasn't taken that super star level player leap and their 6th man Reid gives you the same thing Kat does. Best defensive team on paper, perhaps. Can they score in a 7 game series? They've been the healthiest team in the NBA. Can that maintained? I honestly don't know. With all the positives of this season they're still +16-1700 to win it all... While being -115 to win their division which would lock up HCA in the opening round. The market has the same faith I do. If you want to buy, the time is likely now or soon. I'm not that brave personally..

OKC Okc is versatile this season. They defend with the steal leader in the league SGA and the most blocks of any team. OKC unfortunately is very young and their home/away splits are indicative of that. Giddey handles the ball too sloppy but gives you effort and dort is a pesky defender who has developed into a decent perimeter shooter. My biggest concern is can SGA carry them? Can Williams play D for a series? Do you they have enough bench to scare anyone? They have 470 draft picks and didn't trade for much. Hayward is always hurt and I'm afraid well past his prime. They're a year, maybe 2 away and need to find a star player to compliment SGA and get him out of doubles. Talented coach but they remind of Memphis 2 years ago... Great regular season and my most profitable team but not sure they're capable of the big lights quite yet.

La Clippers How do we ignore Hardens post season past? Furthermore how do we look past of the health of PG and Kwahi playing every game in the postseason? First if they win the 1 seed that'd help a lot. I also think they've found a lot to like about their bench.

I love their chances anytime a healthy Kwahi gets to a bigger stage. I even like RWB with a different role. This is it for them. They're aging fast. I can't see a back to back season where KL, PG and even Zubac is healthy.

I'm sure harden will screw it up in game 6 at home like he always does but they're currently my pick to go to the finals.

Denver I don't like the vibes out of my hometown team. They look tired most nights even at home. Jokic is Jokic he can make a triple double look like a off night.

Murray is banged up and KCP is as well. They have no bench. Reggie Jackson is your 6 man? Still? Braun has regressed some from his expectations. I just can't see this team repeating unless Jokic does it all and while he's beyond anyone in capabilities for me. It's just a too hard of a ask. They need to find a bench and fast...

Phoenix Im lost on them. They can beat anyone in the league at any given night and the very next night lose to the jazz.

They don't play enough defense for me to think they're the team come April and same story as Denver, they have no bench.

New Orleans Zion, Ingram, Jones on the same court always interests me some. I like their coach and they seem capable but this story will come down to health and a lack of a good big. Valachunas has declined some especially on defense. There talented enough to win a series or two. Inconsistenty in scoring makes me fearful of backing strongly as well.

Dallas- I like the Mavs the last 10 games. Blowing out teams and playing defense some. I liked the addition of Gafford who is used to playing in a fast O system and still gives you real rim protection.

Any other coach and I would have already bet something. Number is long and they can do some damage if it all stays on course. Kidd will screw it up and if he doesn't Kyrie does and if he doesn't etc etc

Sacramento I don't know how many times I have said, "what is wrong with them? Something's wrong." About the kings all season.

Fox has been average, Huerter doesn't even look like the same shooter as a year ago and they're bench sucks.

I don't understand how it's regressed though. It's the same roster as last year and the injuries haven't been awful to manage.

I like the kings, I like the coach and system. I don't trust them this season.... Something is wrong.

Lakers I don't love the Lakers but I do think that they made it to the conference finals in much worst shape than this a year ago.

They rely on scoring and for good reason but they've lost defense in the process it feels like to me. 39 year old amazing LeBron but his health and defense are concerns. Overpriced in futures markets but possibly for good reason. If they're in the playoffs they are a talented, veteran squad.

Golden State A team I deemed dead a month ago was playing it's best version of itself right before the ASB.

They're A game is one of the best in the NBA, maybe the best. When they play a C, D or F game they lose and lose in bunches.

I like Kerr but how many different lineups and rotations is he going to experiment with? Every night there's a surprise. Paul is a bad fit for this team and that doesn't surprise me but I imagine we will see more jostling to give him minutes and that might hurt them imo. Still love a Curry show same as anyone... The best shooter we will ever see.

Utah Not a team I take seriously. Don't understand the no defense system and why is Dunn starting so often stories. Too many things have to happen for them to win that I don't see them being much of a threat.

As before please share any thoughts, considerations or disagreements.

Thank You as always for the space and good luck the rest of the season, Eddie