Handicapping the Western Conference race
The Western Conference is loaded with contenders to appear in the NBA Finals come June. While the East is busy watching the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls fight for respectability, the West is showcasing the best basketball has to offer on a nightly basis.
The Golden State Warriors are leading the pack with an NBA-best 41-9 mark, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. Behind them are many other teams with a legitimate chance to go deep into the playoffs, perhaps winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
So what are the percentages for each of the true contenders out West to reach the Finals? Here’s the breakdown with Vegas odds to win it all.
Golden State Warriors (18/5) – 35 percent
The Warriors can shoot the lights out, averaging a league-high 110.9 points per game. At ORACLE Arena, Golden State is 23-2 and with home-court advantage looking likely, that is a massive factor. Behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the backcourt, shutting down Steve Kerr’s group will be a tall order.
Memphis Grizzlies (12/1) – 12 percent
Memphis is a throwback to the 1990’s, when teams played a rugged brand of basketball with pride. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will give anybody fits on the interior and Mike Conley Jr. is one of the best guards in the sport. The problem is getting the big stretch of scoring late in games. Who does this group turn to when it has to match a hot hand?
Houston Rockets (30/1) – 5 percent
Simply put, Houston does not play enough defense. The Rockets have improved on that end of the floor but still have massive liabilities, led by James Harden. Harden is brilliant on the offensive end and has help in Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza. Still, the depth is lacking and the failure on the defensive side will spell doom.
Portland Trailblazers (35/1) – 5 percent
This is a group which can make a run, but still feels one year away. Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge are a fantastic combination and a duo that can absolutely lead Portland deep into the playoffs. Beyond them, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez and Nicolas Batum provide nice role players which create mismatches.
Dallas Mavericks (15/1) – 8 percent
The Mavericks have a very talented starting five but the defense and depth is an issue. Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, Rajon Rondo, Chandler Parsons and Tyson Chandler are an excellent collection, but the bench is weak. Head coach Randy Carlisle is top-notch, but it is hard seeing him lead this thin team to the Finals.
Los Angeles Clippers (20/1) – 15 percent
The Clippers are uber-talented but something doesn’t always add up. With DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick, Los Angeles should be rolling to 60+ wins. Instead, the Clippers have gone through starts and stops. If this group can put it together, look out.
San Antonio Spurs (8/1) – 20 percent
Forget about everything you see with San Antonio in the regular season. The Spurs will show up and play with gusto throughout the playoffs. Looking to defend its crown, San Antonio will give any team headaches with Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw inside, and Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker on the perimeter.
