Teams to Watch in the West
In the East, it’s the usual suspects now occupying the top 4 spots, Boston, Philly, Milwaukee and Brooklyn but in the West we’ve got a few surprises. We’ll talk more about these and others next time. But for today, the West:
Denver – Could this finally be Denver’s year? Nikola Jokic is having another incredible year turning in a virtual triple double and Jamal Murray is back to his old self scoring nearly 20 points per game. A strong showing by the supporting cast is going to make Denver hard to beat in the West come the playoffs.
Sacramento – The biggest surprise in the West is 3rd place Sacramento. With strong contributions from across the line up, the 2 stars are De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Both players are capable scorers and both have been setting an example on defense which has paid off in team success.
LA Clippers – Both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are healthy and the Clippers are prowling the Western conference waiting for the playoffs like a shark in its tank waiting for feeding time. If they can both get to the playoffs healthy and remain reasonably healthy through the playoffs, the Clippers have the depth to be dangerous against any team.
Memphis – Currently sitting in 2nd position after a 3 game losing streak, the Grizzlies have a young and talented lineup that will make any team concerned that draws a playoff series against them.
New Orleans – Had a good thing going until Zion got injured. Now they’ve lost 5 in a row, 8 of their last 10 and are falling into that crowded midsection of the Western Conference where only a game or 2 can be the difference between in or out of the playoffs. Let’s hope the young buck can get back in time to help his team into the playoffs.
LA Lakers – Are they good or are they bad? The only team to make any sort of move before the trade deadline thus far, they were 2 games out of 6th yesterday and today they still stuck in 12th but now 3.5 games out of 6th. Do they have enough in the tank to get to the play-in? When will AD return and can he stay healthy? Yet to be determined.
Golden State – A general malaise has fallen over the Golden State Warriors this season. Mainly healthy, stars making shots and putting up numbers but something isn’t clicking and they are at risk of missing the playoffs. They are a veteran team. Smart money still says they find a way to gel and secure a top 8 finish.
Dallas – Another chronic underachiever even though Luka is turning in a super-human performance and basically carrying that team on his back. But it won’t work in the playoffs. He’s already in playoff mode now and I don’t think his teammates have another gear. First round fodder if they get there.