Could All the Teams in the Southwest Division Make the NBA Playoffs?
By Dan Schultz
@DSchultz89
Getty Images
It is well known by now that the Western Conference is extremely competitive. The Phoenix Suns proved last year that you could win almost 50 games and still miss the playoffs, which seems almost comically difficult.
Although it is very early into the regular season, the Southwest Division has proven so far to be the most impressive. The teams that are in the division include the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies. Every team has a record above .500 currently, and last year four of the five (minus the Pelicans) made the playoffs. With the Pelicans improving their roster over the offseason and Anthony Davis looking like a viable MVP-caliber player already, many are already considering them to be a potential 7th or 8th seed in the West this year.
But will this actually happen?
In terms of the Western Conference teams that have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs, I would list these five teams, as well as the Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder (if they play well enough by the time Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook get back), Sacramento Kings and possibly Utah Jazz as all having a realistic shot in my opinion.
The Spurs will definitely be a top seed in the West, and the Mavericks, Rockets and Grizzlies will probably be in the 3-7 range. So this leaves the Pelicans, who many are predicting to be in the playoffs this season.
Personally, I believe the Southwest Division is far and away the best division in the league and that all five teams will make the playoffs this year. It will take a Herculean effort on behalf of Davis to lead his Pelicans to the postseason, but based on what he has showed us so far, it is definitely realistic that he single-handedly guides his team to where they want to go this year.
It is early in the season and anything can happen, but as long as all the teams in the Southwest Division remain mostly healthy throughout the year and continue on the trajectory they are all on right now, I believe that all five of these teams are talented enough to make the postseason this year.
Dan Schultz is an NBA sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
Zach Randolph Deserves An All-Star Spot
After a monster outing versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies F Zach Randolph proved why he deserved an All-Star spot. Read More
Tom Thibodeau Should Be Next Timberwolves' Coach
Tom Thibodeau seems to finally be close to done as coach of the Chicago Bulls, and the Minnesota Timberwolves should have a lot of interest in him if he becomes available. Read More
Midseason Grades & Analysis For Milwaukee Bucks
An improved roster and coaching staff has the Milwaukee Bucks destined for the playoffs. Here is a midseason grade for one of the most underrated teams in basketball. Read More
The Biggest Snubs From the East in All-Star Game
The Eastern Conference had almost as many snubs as the West in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, but these five were the most egregious. Read More
2014-15 Grizzlies Midseason Grades and Analysis
We are already halfway through the NBA season, and the Memphis Grizzlies are off to a fast start. Here are the midseason grades for the second place team in the Western Conference. Read More
Lakers' Priority Should Be Keeping Lottery Pick
How is it possible winning a basketball game can hurt a franchise? Find out here. Read More
Lakers Should Continue To Pair Ed Davis and Boozer
Find out why the Los Angeles Lakers are smart to put Ed Davis and Carlos Boozer on the court at the same time. Read More
2014-15 Oklahoma City Thunder Midseason Grades
Halfway through the 2014-15 NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are four games out of the playoffs, mostly due to injuries. How does each individual grade out so far, though? Read More
Celtics' Playoff Hopes Somehow Still Alive
The Boston Celtics are currently three wins out of the playoffs. No one could have anticipated that they would be this close at this point. Why are they playing so well for a team "tanking?" Read More
Celtics Continue Giving Quality Teams Hard Time
The Boston Celtics' come-back efforts fell just short last night against the Houston Rockets 93-87. Last week they fell just short to the Golden State Warriors 111-114. What does this say about them? Read More
Randle Should Watch, Learn From Millsap
Julius Randle should watch film on how Paul Millsap plays as they share several similarities. Doing this could ready the rookie for his 2015-16 campaign once he returns from injury. Read More
Lack of Pure Scorer Continues to Doom Miami Heat
Last night's game against the Dallas Mavericks was doomed for the Miami Heat without the help of a pure scorer in Dwyane Wade's absence. Is there any relief in sight? Read More