What are the top 3 teams that could win it all, excluding the eastern conference?

Okc, denver, that’s about it for the west barring massive injuries

 

Ya, but any series they play they'll have the best player which always give you a shot. The team is pretty mediocre though they have done a really good job making it as hard as possible for jokic.

 

OKC, Denver, and Lakers.

 

OKC and Denver, with the Nuggets being totally dependent on Jamal Murray bringing his "A" game.

I don't believe the Grizzlies, Rockets and Lakers are serious contenders as they stand today.

My "wild card" team is the Clippers, but that's only if Kawhi remains healthy and plays like a superstar in the playoffs. I know, I know: Fat chance!

Bottom line: The west is OKC's to lose as long as Hartenstein stays healthy. I don't think they even need Chet back this year to make the Finals.

 

Utter destruction will happen if they don't get a legit C, but I expected that gap will be filled soon. Would love for them to face the Nuggets again in the 1st round.

 

Thunder are the heavy favorites.

The Nuggets are too inconsistent. It's costing them a real chance at another championship and costing Jokic another MVP. They're in a big group with the Rockets, Mavericks, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Lakers if they get a center. Maybe even the Spurs.

So I can't really list 3. It's the Thunder, then that big group of teams.

 

Celtics, Knicks, Bucks.

 

Let me be very honest here. . . .
I THINK WE CAN TAKE *ANY* TEAM IN A 7 GAME SERIES!!!
Everything is a PICK EM against those teams . . . where the Rockets are concerned

Rocket River

 

This is mostly where I'm at. I might also put Memphis in the mix contingent on health, they have some playoff experience under their belts and their top guys are starting to hit their prime years. Not sure whether I'd have them or the Clippers in my #3 spot after OKC and Denver. Memphis has more talent but LAC has a lot more playoff experience. Probably depends on which team is healthier come playoff time, both have had their struggles in that area.

 

These can both be true:
1. The Rockets can beat any team in a 7-game series.
2. They are not a top 3 favorite coming out of the West.

We have the talent to go deep. But a young team don't win a lot in the playoffs. Look at OKC last year, they were probably better than what we are now. But they still lost to a lower seed in the second round.

 

OKC, Nuggets, and Lakers...this will be the year the Lakers will finally beat the Nuggets in the playoffs if that matchup comes to fruition.

 

They didnt't have IME UDOKA!!!

Rocket River

 

Probably not going to happen but Dallas keeps their stars healthy for one year they have a chance. They basically need to stay healthy for one year in the next 2-3 years. Then their window slams shut

 

But then you remember their two starts are Kyrie and AD.

 

Their window slams shut at the same time they lose control over their draft picks. They don't have their 28, 29, OR 30 pick. That's beyond insane.

 

Almost every nba champ is a top 3 seed. So OKC, Hou, or mem.