Which team will get the 8th spot in the West?

[Arizona_Sting]

Whether they end up playing Golden State or San Antonio in the first round whichever team gets the 8 seed is likely to get swept, but which team do you think outlasts the rest?


I'll go with Utah making a late season run and holding off the competition. They got really hot at the end of last season so maybe they have another big 2nd half run in them.

2 teams are 1 GB from them though so it's no sure thing.

 

[bksballer89]

I'm thinking Utah or Sacramento

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Jazz will separate themselves from the pack when they get healthy.

I hope it's not Portland because I have them as my dark horse to get the #1 pick.

Dame, CJ and Simmons would be a nice foundation.

 

[trojanfan12]

Sacramento has the talent to get the 8th seed or higher. They don't have the brains or maturity. I think the Nuggets and Blazers are playing over their heads a little and will trail off leaving the Jazz with the 8th seed.

 

[Bolts]

As much as I'd love to see the Kings make it, their problems closing out games and playing with effort consistently makes me doubt their chances. There's not one team here I think is clearly better than the rest, but if I had to choose one I'd say the Jazz. I really don't wanna see the former Kings coach make it in his first season with the Nuggets.

 

[Bolts]

Jazz will separate themselves from the pack when they get healthy.

I hope it's not Portland because I have them as my dark horse to get the #1 pick.

Dame, CJ and Simmons would be a nice foundation.

They'll really need to hit it big in the lottery to get him, Lillard and CJ will probably keep them out of the bottom 5 teams.

 

[trojanfan12]

They'll really need to hit it big in the lottery to get him, Lillard and CJ will probably keep them out of the bottom 5 teams.

Pay no attention to @Mecca, she's just trying to imagine any scenario where the Lakers don't get Simmons.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Pay no attention to @Mecca, she's just trying to imagine any scenario where the Lakers don't get Simmons.

Sad. But, so.....lol

 

[Bolts]

Pay no attention to @Mecca, she's just trying to imagine any scenario where the Lakers don't get Simmons.

I'm with her there, No Simmons to the Lakers!

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

Portland, and wow, the West never has a bad record sneak in. Crazy

 

[tducey]

Sacramento, I think their talent will get it together and make the playoffs.

 

[CodeBreaker]

I'm going with the Kings

 

[ManuForever]

Gonna go with Utah. I really like how they've been playing. While inconsistent at times, they have a lot of fight in them. Wish they had Exum. Feel like their shot at the playoffs would be a tad bit larger with him playing.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Gonna go with Utah. I really like how they've been playing. While inconsistent at times, they have a lot of fight in them. Wish they had Exum. Feel like their shot at the playoffs would be a tad bit larger with him playing.

Agreed. They have been without Favors for a while now and also lost Gobert for an extended stretch. Once they get Favors back if they can stay healthy I could see them making a big run and going for 42-45 wins and locking up the 8 seed with a record over .500.

 

[CitySushi]

I think Denver is just hitting their stride right now. They're 4-2 in their last 6 games with quality wins over the Warriors, Pacers, Hornets and a win over TWolves (Losses to Grizz and Miami).

Nurkic is right around the corner from being back healthy. He's played a couple games and shown he's still beastly. With him they have a starting lineup of Mudiay/Nelson, Gary Harris, Gallo, Faried and Nurkic

They have nice bench depth with Jokic, Barton, Arthur, Mudiay/Nelson(whichever ends up starting). Also have options further down with Foye, Mike Miller and JJ Hickson.

I think if they get healthy, they're going to cause matchup problems for a lot of teams. Mike Malone is starting to make his impact on the team and they could be dangerous.

 

[Heatles84]

Crazy that the Trailblazers are a game out right now. I thought that team would implode with how their offseason went.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Jazz have the defense required and Hayward is solid in crunch time. I'm leaning towards them but the Kings are probably the most talented so I wouldn't be surprised if they got it.

 

[Bolts]

Whether it lasts or not, at least I can enjoy it now!

 

[OregonDucks]

I'd like to see Portland get in, only because the playoff excitement around here is awesome when the Blazers are in it. Of course they are in no way capable of knocking off GS or SA. I think it's a quick 4 game sweep.

But it would be refreshing to see them get that 8th spot and know these guys didn't tank or miss the playoffs only to get a better draft pick. And to make the playoffs with this group and the major loss in their off-season, it would be nice to see Portland get it done.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

I still think Utah edges out Sacramento but it should be a fun race to watch. Winner gets the grand prize of a 4 game date with the Warriors/Spurs!