NBA Western Conference team standings predictions for the 2024-25 season: ESPN expert in-depth analysis

Western Conference standings predictions for the 2024-25 season: ESPN experts' interpretations

BEIJING, Aug. 23, 2024 -- With the 2024-25 season approaching, ESPN invited a team of experts to predict and analyze the performance of each team in the West for the new season. Different from the previous years' direct way of giving the ranking, this time ESPN divided the 15 teams into the group of title contenders, playoff group and bottom team group. The following are the specific prediction results.

Team Predictions for the Contenders Group

• Oklahoma City Thunder: 57 wins and 25 losses
  The Thunder have been consistent over the past few seasons and are predicted to continue to be strong.
• Minnesota Timberwolves: 54 wins and 28 losses
  The Timberwolves' young core is maturing and is expected to take a step forward to become one of the powerhouses in the West this upcoming season.
• Dallas Mavericks: 52 wins and 30 losses
  The Mavericks, led by their superstar, are expected to maintain their outstanding record in the new season.
• Denver Nuggets: 52 wins and 30 losses
  The Nuggets, one of last season's powerhouses, are still favored to remain competitive in the new season.
• Phoenix Suns: 49 wins, 33 losses
  The Suns continue to rely on the performance of their Big Three and if they can stay healthy, they remain a title contender.
• Sacramento Kings: 47 wins and 35 losses
  The Kings bolstered their backcourt by bringing in All-Star DeMar DeRozan and look forward to their new season.

external link (on website)::ESPN NBA Predictions and Analysis

Play-off group team predictions

• New Orleans Pelicans: 46 wins and 36 losses
  The Pelicans are growing and aiming to make the playoffs and edge out the play-in game this upcoming season.
• Golden State Warriors: 45 wins and 37 losses
  Despite losing Klay Thompson and Chris Paul, the Warriors stayed competitive by bringing in new players.
• Memphis Grizzlies: 44 wins and 38 losses
  The Grizzlies continue to rely on their young core and fast offense and are projected to take their place in the play-in bracket.
• Houston Rockets: 44 wins and 38 losses
  The Rockets are motivated with a core of freshmen players and are targeting an at-large berth in the play-in game.

external link (on website)::NBA team records and standings

Bottom Five Team Predictions

• Los Angeles Lakers (NBA team): 44 wins and 38 losses
  The Lakers are still in need of more seasoning to improve their record after a number of adjustments.
• Los Angeles Clippers: 43 wins and 39 losses
  The Clippers are challenged by injuries and personnel changes, and it remains to be seen how they will perform in the new season.
• San Antonio Spurs.: 35 wins and 47 losses
  The Spurs are in a rebuilding phase and are expected to remain in the doldrums this season.
• Utah Jazz: 26 wins and 56 losses
  The Jazz are expected to struggle to get out of the bottom spot as their record has slipped after losing several starters.
• Portland Trail Blazers: 22 wins and 60 losses
  The Blazers are in the midst of a rebuilding process and are expected to have a poor record this season.

external link (on website)::NBA Season Preview.

Season Preview: Changes and Expectations

ESPN points out that there are two teams in the contention group with roster changes to watch.Phoenix SunsThe health of the Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal is the key to the team's success or failure.Sacramento KingsInstead, they bolstered their backcourt by bringing in DeMar DeRozan and are expected to be one of the most threatening backcourt combinations in the league.

with regards toGolden State WarriorsFor their part, despite losing key players like Klay Thompson and Chris Paul, the team has remained somewhat competitive by signing quality rotation players like De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson. However, ESPN experts believe that these changes may not be enough to get the Warriors back to the playoffs.