Fresh Western Conference Playoff Predictions

Since the season is coming up to a conclusion, all teams are trying desperately to put some wins on the board. Recently, the Golden State Warriors have gained some separation and have a four-game cushion between them and the ninth seed, and are looking better than ever.

Here are the probabilities and likely places of each and every Western Conference playoff team.

Spoiler: Some may be disappointed.

1. San Antonio Spurs:

Nov 19, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (left), guard Tony Parker (center), and Manu Ginobili (right) watch from the bench during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at the AT

Tony Parker injured his ankle, so what? What many people fail to realize about the Spurs is that Tim Duncan, former finals MVP is having an incredible season. He and Ginobli have what it takes by themselves to lead the Spurs into the post-season. Until Parker comes back, the Spurs are going to do just fine, and it’s only going to be better when he does come back. There’s no way that they’re going to let an inexperienced team like the Oklahoma City Thunder catch them.

Postseason? 100% Chance.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder:

The Thunder have by far one of the brightest futures in the NBA. As Western Conference title favorites, the Thunder are likely to see a rematch of the Heat series, but this time, they’ve had the bitter taste of loss, and they’re not going to have it happen again. The Thunder will likely finish the season as hot as they’ve always been.

Postseason? 100% chance

3. Los Angeles Clippers:

Feb 23, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) react against the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Jazz 107-94. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Clippers are incredible, and nobody can deny that. Right now, a healthy Clippers team is lobbing their way through almost every other team in the NBA, and are having fun. There’s no question that they’re making the playoffs, but they’ll need to catch Oklahoma City if they want to do well in the first round, as the Warriors aren’t the best opponents to face.

Postseason? 100% Chance.

4. Memphis Grizzlies:

Let’s be honest, the Grizzlies aren’t catching the Clippers, and they’re not going to drop to fifth. Ever since trading Rudy Gay, other teams thought they were going to drop in the standings, but they went on an eight-game winning streak, which really highlighted their season. They’re likely to continue their hot play up until the postseason, but they’re too far behind the Clippers.

Postseason? 100% Chance.

5. Denver Nuggets:

The Nuggets are now very far ahead of the sixth-seeded Warriors. With it now clear that they’re one of the hottest and most entertaining teams in the NBA, they’ve asserted dominance, and are looking better than ever. They’re 8-2 in the last 10 games, and just on a scoring tear, almost unstoppable. Unfortunately for them, they don’t really have that one go-to guy. In the playoffs, it’s going to get rough just like it has in the past.

Postseason? 100% Chance.

6. Golden State Warriors:

Jan 19, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward Carl Landry (7) celebrates with point guard Jarrett Jack (2) during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets, 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

When the Warriors were in the fifth position, they were playing the Grizzlies in Memphis. Unfortunately for them, however, they lost the game that would have put them in fourth.

After that, they went 3-9, and really lost some momentum. Entering many home games, however, they’ve gained their momentum back and are going to ride that right into the playoffs. Gaining some distance ahead of the Rockets last night was good for them, and they’re so close to virtually securing a playoff spot.

Postseason? 90% Chance.

7. Houston Rockets:

When Jeremy Lin entered the scene, the Rockets had successfully found a replacement for Kyle Lowry. It was going to be a season of rebuilding, but then the Rockets traded for James Harden, who completely transformed the franchise.

Averaging 25 PPG, Harden has been one of the better players in the MVP, and has led the Rockets to some wins. They’re not quite out of the woods, but they are getting there.

Postseason? 80% Chance.

8. Los Angeles Lakers:

I stand by my decision to make the Lakers number 8 on this list. They are going to make the playoffs. Anyone who hasn’t seen that the Lakers have picked

Feb 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24), point guard Steve Nash (10), center Dwight Howard (12), point guard Steve Blake (5) and small forward Metta World Peace (15) in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

it up as of late is, quite frankly, blind. The Lakers are going to finish strong, and Kobe will lead them to the postseason.

The Jazz are a good team, but are unfortunately at the claws of the Los Angeles Lakers, who are making their move now.

Postseason? 50% Chance.