2016-2017 NBA Previews – Western Conference Odds
Looking for 2016 NBA Western Conference Predictions? We’ve got your back. The Western Conference, as strong as it as at the top, took a step backward last season in terms of the rest of the top eight. This year, with teams improving once again across the conference, order should be restored and the West should be as strong as ever.
Western Conference Season Preview
Conference Favorite: Golden State Warriors -250
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Here’s a look at the top 5 teams out West in terms of odds to win the conference:
Golden State Warriors Western Conference Prediction:
Head Coach: Steve Kerr
2015-16 Record: 73-9
Odds To Win Conference: -250
Odds To Win NBA Championship: -125
The Golden State Warriors are going to be favored all season, not just in terms of winning the West but with an eventual NBA championship on the line.
This group, with the addition of Kevin Durant, is the first in NBA history to have four All-NBA players from the year before. Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry (the first-ever unanimous MVP) round out the rest of that incredible core.
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Outside of the Big Four, you have one of the best sixth men in the league in Andre Iguodala. He won Finals MVP two years ago and his defense on LeBron James is still his best asset.
Although backup point guard shouldn’t seem like an important position here, Shaun Livingston proved to be a huge addition to this rotation last year when Curry dealt with injuries.
Look for the Warriors to disregard any talk this season about chasing 74 wins, in favor of title talks by the end of the year.
San Antonio Spurs Western Conference Prediction:
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
2015-16 Record: 67-15
Odds To Win Conference: +450
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +900
The San Antonio Spurs flew under the radar last season despite being one of the greatest teams in NBA history. They were quiet about their success, per usual with a Gregg Popovich-led crew, but they were also overshadowed by the Warriors.
That narrative will almost certainly play out again this season.
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With Tim Duncan retired and likely shopping for khakis at Old Navy or something, Pau Gasol takes over as the new starting center. He and LaMarcus Aldridge will pack quite a punch in the frontcourt, but neither will garner the same headlines that the likes of Kevin Durant and Draymond Green will.
Kawhi Leonard is a legitimate MVP candidate considering his dominance on both ends of the floor, but his soft-spoken nature doesn’t lead to highlights like Curry creates on a nightly basis.
What we’re getting at here is that it’s unlikely people are talking about the Spurs most of this season. But when it’s all said and done, they are the best source of competition to take down the ‘Dubs out West.
Los Angeles Clippers Western Conference Prediction:
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
2015-16 Record: 53-29
Odds To Win Conference: +1200
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +2500
It’s time for the Los Angeles Clippers to finally break through to the next level. If they don’t, it may be time to break up the core of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan that was supposed to bring championships to L.A.
If this team is going to find success, health must work in its favor. This is a given for any franchise, but the Clips are the ones who lost both Paul and Griffin for the postseason in Round 1 last year against the Blazers.
Health aside, the team needs to find consistent production from its depth. Having a Big Three is the right first step toward building a legitimate contender, but finding pieces that can fill in the gaps is what will put a franchise over the top.
Oklahoma City Thunder Western Conference Prediction:
Head Coach: Billy Donovan
2015-16 Record: 55-27
Odds To Win Conference: +2000
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +4000
If there’s one team that has gone from a villain to an underdog, it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Durant defecting to the Warriors, everybody wants to see what OKC can do this season. More specifically, everybody wants to see what Russell Westbrook can do.
Having Victor Oladipo in the backcourt gives this team another attack option, and having Adams and Kanter gives this group a two-way tandem in the frontcourt. But it all comes down to Westbrook.
If he can be a stat-stuffing machine who also makes his teammates better, OKC has a chance to surpass expectations in the first post-KD season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Western Conference Prediction:
Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau
2015-16 Record: 29-53
Odds To Win Conference: +3300
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +6600
Seeing Minnesota this high on the list might come as a surprise to some, but the makeup of this roster is forming nicely.
In the middle, you have the franchise figure, Karl Anthony-Towns. His rookie season was unbelievable in terms of statistics, but his athleticism, shooting ability, ball-handling skills and basketball IQ all complement the fact that he still has the skill set of a traditional center.
In the backcourt, Ricky Rubio and Kris Dunn will be an excellent 1-2 punch at point guard, while Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins continue to grow on the perimeter.
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The truth is that this team may be a year away, but there’s hope for both the long-term and immediate future.
2016 NBA Western Conference Prediction
Barring an all-out catastrophe, this conference is Golden State’s to lose. In fact, let’s go one step further.
It would take multiple catastrophes.
The Warriors have enough weapons to lose one at some point throughout the year and still be considered the favorite.
Look for teams like the Spurs and Clippers to be legitimate threats late in the year, but if one of them takes down the ‘Dubs in the Western Conference Finals, it will be one of the greatest upsets in NBA history.
Full Western Conference Odds
- Golden State Warriors-250
- San Antonio Spurs+450
- Los Angeles Clippers+1200
- Oklahoma City Thunder+2000
- Minnesota Timberwolves+3300
- Memphis Grizzlies+3300
- Houston Rockets+5000
- New Orleans Pelicans+5000
- Portland Trail Blazers+5000
- Utah Jazz+5000
- Dallas Mavericks+10000
- Denver Nuggets+15000
- Los Angeles Lakers+15000
- Sacramento Kings+15000
- Phoenix Suns+25000
2016 NBA Gambling
What do you think about our 2016 Western Conference predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in the 2016-2017 NBA Season!
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