The NBA Western Conference is set to be a highly competitive and exciting race this season, with several teams vying for the top spot. NBA.com writer Steve Aschburner has made his early predictions on how he sees the Western Conference standings shaping up at the end of the season.
According to Aschburner’s predictions, the Denver Nuggets will secure the top seed in the West. This is a nod to their status as the reigning champions and their strong performance in recent seasons. With a talented roster led by Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have the potential to maintain their dominance in the conference.
The Phoenix Suns are predicted to come in second place in the Western Conference standings. The Suns made a splash in the 2020-2021 season, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in nearly 30 years. With a young and talented core including Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, the Suns have the potential to build on their success and make a push for the top spot in the West.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to finish in third place in the conference standings. Despite a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season, the Lakers have made significant moves in the offseason, acquiring superstar Russell Westbrook to pair alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With a star-studded lineup, the Lakers will be a formidable force in the West.
The Sacramento Kings are predicted to come in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. The Kings had a strong season last year and will look to build on their success. Led by young stars such as De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, the Kings have the potential to surprise and compete against the conference’s top teams.
The Golden State Warriors are predicted to finish in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors missed the playoffs last season due to injuries to key players Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. With the return of a healthy Curry and the addition of new players such as rookie Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors will look to bounce back and make a playoff run.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are seen as a team on the rise and are predicted to finish in sixth place in the conference standings. The Thunder have a young and promising roster, including rising stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. With their focus on player development, the Thunder could surprise and compete for a playoff spot.
The Los Angeles Clippers are predicted to come in seventh place in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers had a strong showing in the playoffs last season, reaching the Western Conference Finals. However, with injuries to key players such as Kawhi Leonard, their season outlook remains uncertain.
The Minnesota Timberwolves round out Aschburner’s predictions and are expected to finish in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. The Timberwolves have struggled in recent years but have a talented roster led by Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. They will look to improve and compete for a playoff spot this season.
Overall, the Western Conference standings are wide open, with several teams in contention for the top spot. It will be an exciting season, and fans will have to wait and see how the predictions play out.
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