ESPN predicts the top 10 in the Western Conference for the new season: Rockets and Warriors go straight to the playoffs, Lakers fall to the play-offs

On the occasion of the new season, ESPN invited several experts, including the famous reporter Shams, to predict the top ten in the Western Conference for the new season. Among them, the Rockets ranked third, the Warriors went straight to the playoffs, and the Lakers, the other favorite, fell to the play-offs.

Tenth place: Spurs

With Wenbanyama returning to full strength, Castle was awarded the Rookie of the Year, second place Harper emerged, and new aid Fox further integrated, the young Spurs are ready to end their slump and return to the ranks of competitors.

But in the Western Conference, where competition is as intense as a meat grinder, the young Spurs obviously still need some time and setbacks to grow.

Ninth place: The Mavericks

Sitting on the top three picks are Irving + Flagg + Big Eyebrow. When all members are healthy, the Mavericks deserve a higher ranking.

But Irving still needs some time to recuperate, and Flagg, the new No. 1 pick, has yet to prove himself in the regular season. Coupled with the risk of injuries to core players such as Big Eyebrow, the Mavericks have become a dark horse-level team with a very high upper limit and a very low lower limit.

Eighth place: Lakers

Another underrated team is the Lakers. Last season, the Lakers ranked third in the Western Conference. During the offseason, they introduced three major new players, Ayton, Smart and Laravia. In addition, Doncic has significantly slimmed down, and the Purple and Gold Army seems to be ushering in an overall improvement.

But the problem is that James is one year older, and with only one year left on his contract, the future is no longer certain. Coupled with the departure of one of the core rotation players, Finney Smith, the Lakers are not outstanding in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.

Seventh place: Grizzlies

In contrast, the Grizzlies have become one of the overvalued teams. During the offseason, the Grizzlies sold Bane at a high price and did not complete substantial reinforcements. They just hope that core players such as Morant and Jaren Jr. will return to health. However, it is not easy for this Grizzlies to stay healthy for a long time.

Sixth place: The Warriors

are optimistic by the US media that they will get a direct playoff spot. On the one hand, the Warriors completed the contract extension with Kuminga at the buzzer, and then completed the signings with Horford, Curry Jr., Payton Jr. and many other new players.

On the other hand, the team's strong record performance after Butler joined last season has made this Warriors fully capable of competing for the championship when the core is healthy. However, the physical fitness and injury risks brought by advanced age will be challenges that must be faced.

Fifth place: Timberwolves

Reaching the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years is the core reason why the Timberwolves are optimistic. Even though they lost important rotation Alexander Walker in the offseason, Edwards has specifically learned the back-up skills of Jordan and Kobe, coupled with the improvement of the chemical reaction between Randall, Gobert and other core players, the Timberwolves are ready to go further.

Fourth place: Clippers

The Clippers once again became the big winner in the offseason. They have successively strengthened many high-quality immediate players such as Los Angeles, Collins, Paul and Bill, and also showed good dominance during the preseason.

Ideally, the Clippers are a reasonable championship-level team, but health issues will be the biggest challenge plaguing this Clippers.

Third place: Rockets

The Rockets have undergone a comprehensive transformation during the offseason. The low-price deal obtained Durant to improve his key ball ability. With the addition of new players such as Finney Smith and Capela, the Rockets are ready to compete for the championship.

If Van Jordan had not been seriously injured, the Rockets would have been ranked higher. Even if they suffered from injuries, the Rockets still have huge room for maneuver. Even if Shepard and Amen cannot fill the vacancies, they can still complete targeted reinforcements through transactions before the trade deadline.

Second place: Nuggets

After purging the management and coaching staff, the Nuggets finally spent an offseason of comprehensive improvement. They not only upgraded Porter Jr. to Cameron Johnson, but also introduced strong players such as Bruce Brown, Hardaway Jr. and Varan at low prices.

With the addition of Jokic, the number one player in active combat, the Nuggets will be the biggest threat to the Thunder in defending their title in the new season.

First place: Thunder

As the defending champion, the Thunder have retained almost the entire core lineup. After the baptism of the finals, Alexander and other core players are bound to further transform and already have the strength to build a dynasty team.