Predictions for the Top Five Rankings in NBA's Eastern and Western Conferences
- Jamieson
- Oct 21, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated:May 6, 2022
The warm-up games for the NBA pre-season officially commenced on October 4th with a captivating face-off between the Nets and Lakers. On this inaugural day, the only game played was significant, almost like a championship event, drawing considerable attention.
Both the Nets and the Lakers are viewed as front-runners in the race for the championship, with betting odds reflecting their strong positions. The lower the odds, the greater the likelihood of success. The Nets, packed with star talent, lead the charge, while the Lakers, despite being one of the oldest teams historically, hold a strong second position.
Prior to the warm-up games, here are my anticipated rankings for the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Eastern Conference projections: 1. Bucks, 2. Nets, 3. Heat, 4. 76ers, 5. Celtics.
Western Conference projections: 1. Lakers, 2. Suns, 3. Jazz, 4. Warriors, 5. Clippers.
In the Eastern Conference, key players like the Nets, 76ers, Celtics, and Hawks pose significant uncertainties that could sway rankings.
The Nets’ trio—Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant—can often account for over 70% of both shots taken and ball possession, occasionally pushing that figure close to 80%. This dominance serves as a formidable offensive strategy, though it can also come across as limiting and predictable.
A successful basketball team fundamentally relies on a combination of seamless teamwork, adequate player depth, and effective integration of roles. In contrast to last season, where the best bench player was Jeff Green, the Nets have added guard Patty Mills, who possesses solid shooting skills and invaluable experience.
Patty Mills typically shares roles and responsibilities with Joe Harris and Tyler Johnson, while also being comparable to Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. However, it would be challenging for these four to fill Jeff Green’s shoes in terms of his significant contributions as a forward.
The Nets should focus on developing 22-year-old Nicolas Claxton instead of over-relying on older forwards like Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Paul Millsap, who bring similar skills and experience. Like the Lakers, the Nets need time to blend their play styles to cultivate strong team defense and chemistry.
The 76ers remain in a tricky situation with Ben Simmons, who they've been unable to trade. Their lineup remains unchanged, and last year's top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference is facing unpredictability. I have doubts about the Celtics' ability to rebound and surpass the Hawks in the rankings. This young, talented team has made coaching changes and adapted, showing growth potential.
While many experts express skepticism about the Heat, I disagree. Despite Kyle Lowry being 35 and considered older, he could serve as a vital second or third scoring option for the Heat. His ability to uplift teammates and adjust tactics will allow Jimmy Butler to concentrate on aggressive scoring. I believe the Heat will be a tough competitor in the Eastern Championship, standing stronger than contenders like the Hawks, 76ers, or Celtics.
The Lakers need time to refine their overall game strategy, both defensively and offensively. This is particularly true when 'LBJ' LeBron James plays as a power forward, while 'AD' Anthony Davis anchors the center position, and Russell Westbrook commands the ball. There's a risk of significant discrepancies in team dynamics, and I have doubts about the Lakers’ championship chances if they can't find synergy under Westbrook's unique style. LeBron remains the pivotal player for the Lakers, as his performance and leadership are critical for success. Anthony Davis establishes the team’s elevating standards.
As long as AD maintains his performance with an average of 25 points and 12 rebounds while staying healthy, the Lakers could pave a stable road towards a championship victory.
The Suns have kept their championship team intact from last season. As long as Chris Paul maintains his performance levels, the Suns are among the top contenders in the Western Conference.
The Jazz and the Nuggets show promise, both capable of achieving top-five standings in the West, but the playoffs may prove challenging for them. The ultimate path to success in the Western Conference still hinges on the performances of the Lakers, Suns, and Warriors, with icons like LBJ, Chris Paul, and Stephen Curry leading the charge.
The Clippers' chances of becoming contenders for the Western Championship hinge on Kawhi Leonard's health and effectiveness upon his return. His injury status and the timeline for his comeback remain crucial for the team’s prospects. If management, coaching, and fellow players fail to grasp the situation, who will?
Hoping for the Warriors to regain their health and earn a top-five spot in the Western Conference is a bold aspiration. While they may not currently contend for the title, their presence will stir excitement in the Western Conference, making them one of the most captivating teams to follow in the upcoming season.