NBA Season Preview: Pacific
The Pacific Division, which was once owned year after year by the Los Angeles Lakers, now belongs to the Los Angeles Clippers. The “other” team from L.A. won an impressive 57 games last season, and will look to defend its title as divisional champions. Cappers Picks provides free NBA HOOPS handicapping tips all season long.
All that said, the Golden State Warriors will be right behind them with a brand new coach and one of the most talented rosters in the league. These two teams don’t like each other, as we saw in 2013-14, and from a fan’s perspective, we can only hope that the bad blood is still there when the two meet in 2014-15.
Los Angeles Clippers
2013-14 Record: 57-25
Odds Provided by Bovada
The Los Angeles Clippers have had an interesting summer. Following the fallout from the Donald Sterling situation, the team has a new owner, and if you saw the pep rally held when Steve Ballmer officially took over, you know this organization is revitalized after a controversial finish to the 2013-14 season.
On the court, this team has added something it desperately needed: a backup center. Spencer Hawes took less money and a backup role to join a contender, and while he won’t be the rim-protector the team needs, he will be the scorer the team needs off the bench.
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Of course, this team still belongs to the trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Last season, Griffin showed improvements offensively, Jordan showed improvements defensively and Paul showed he’s still an MVP candidate.
Golden State Warriors
2013-14 Record: 51-31
Apparently the Golden State Warriors aren’t content with winning 51 games. That fact became evident when the team fired head coach Mark Jackson and brought in Steve Kerr this offseason. Now, the job for Kerr is to get this team deep into the playoffs.
The organization ultimately fell short in its pursuit to acquire Kevin Love, but with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, David Lee and Andrew Bogut in the starting lineup, this team is going to be just fine. Don’t forget about players such as Shaun Livingston and Harrison Barnes off the bench, either. Can you say: talent everywhere you look?
Phoenix Suns
2013-14 Record: 48-34
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In many respects, the Phoenix Suns were the surprise of the NBA last season. First-year head coach Jeff Hornacek inherited a team that was projected to finish last in the entire Western Conference, yet he had it fighting for a spot in the playoffs all year.
If this group had been out East, it would have been a threat to not only make the postseason, but do a bit of damage. The problem, of course, is that it’s not out East—it’s in a brutal Western Conference.
Forty-right wins wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, and we just might be saying the same thing when the 2014-15 regular season comes to an end.
Sacramento Kings
2013-14 Record: 28-54
The Sacramento Kings just can’t figure it out. When you look at the roster, this is a talented group. Rudy Gay played efficient basketball after being brought over from the Toronto Raptors, and DeMarcus Cousins has the potential to be one of the best centers in the NBA. The problem is chemistry.
Not only is Gay a volume scorer who needs the ball in his hands, but Cousins is a hothead who can’t turn his talent into leadership. Combine that with the fact that this team let Isaiah Thomas sign with the Suns at a bargain price, and you’re looking at another rough year ahead.
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Los Angeles Lakers
2013-14 Record: 27-55
What in the world has happened to the Los Angeles Lakers? Last season was statistically the worst season in franchise history, which in reality means we’re looking at a better year ahead. The big question mark is Kobe Bryant’s health. If he’s healthy, the moves to bring in Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin look brilliant.
If he’s not, those same moves look like desperate attempts to stay afloat. Expect something in between, but keep an eye on Bryant’s health when projecting this roster’s level of success.
Prediction
This division is a two-way battle between the Clippers and Warriors. Don’t discredit what Phoenix should do throughout the year, and don’t be surprised if the Lakers have a significant turnaround in a chase to return to the playoffs, but the contests between the Clips and the ‘Dubs will be the most meaningful in this division. Give the edge to L.A., but don’t count out Golden State if health is in their favor.
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