Wonder if Milwaukee told everyone they're not trading Giannis until the offseason. Seems like all the sudden all the dominoes are falling
Based onw what has happened so far with trades, what are your current expectations for the lower part of the Western Conference? Golden State, Portland, Memphis, Dallas and Sacramento all have their 2026 First Round picks. The Clippers 2026 First is likely to OKC unless both Houston and OKC collapse over the rest of this season. The Utah 2026 First is protected #1 - #8, else to OKC. If the Jazz really want to, in theory they should be able to contest for the Playin. The Clippers should be weaker from the Harden - Garland trade while the Jazz should be stronger after the trade with Memphis. Yet the Jazz risk losing their 2026 First to OKC if they do too well for the remainder of the season. Warriors.........27 - 24 Clippers.........23 - 26 Portland.........23 - 27 _______________________________ Memphis........19 - 29 Dallas.............19 - 31 Utah................16 - 35 New Orleans..13 - 39 Sacramento....12 - 39
I agree that OKC, Spurs, Nuggets, Rockets, Lakers, T-Wolves and Suns are locks for the playoffs. My guess right now is the Warriors, Clippers and Blazers finish 8-10 in whatever order and I don't expect any of the bottom 5 to move up into the play-in. Might need to take another look after the trade deadline passes.
