Q: The West is obviously going to have more than eight teams vying for playoff spots. — Natalie Anfuso (Wayne, Pa.)Stein: I totally understand why you’re asking, because it’s a difficult question to answer. Every team in the West that finished eighth or lower last season has grander visions of this season’s ceiling. Memphis placed ninth and is counting on a similar finish, at worst, purely through Ja Morant’s presumed improvement in Year 2. 12 Sacramento, but the Timberwolves and the Kings have to be considered playoff long shots in a conference this deep.

Source: New York Times December 23, 2020 07:52 UTC