Western Conference Standings Predictions for Next Season

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Unlike the Eastern Conference, the West seems to be a lot more difficult to figure out. Aside from the Nuggets, there is no clear top dog in that conference. There are so many teams with playoff-level talent, but there are only eight spots available. There are some young teams including the Kings, Grizzlies, and Pelicans, that all have the ability to push for a top-three seed in the conference. There are also some more experienced veteran teams such as the Warriors, Lakers, Mavericks, Clippers, and Suns, all of whom have championship aspirations for next season. And finally, you have the young teams that still have to prove themselves and will be fighting for one of those final playoff spots. The Thunder, Timberwolves, and the Jazz.

So, in such a loaded conference, which final eight teams will make the playoffs? Which teams will sneak into the play-in tournament? And which teams are poised to have a disappointing season?

Here is what I believe the seeding will look like next season:

1. Suns

2. Nuggets

3. Lakers

4. Clippers

5. Pelicans

6. Warriors

7. Grizzlies

8. Mavericks

9. Thunder

10. Kings

11. Timberwolves

12. Jazz

13. Rockets

14. Spurs

15. Blazers