Who will compete with the Phoenix Suns for a playoff spot?

I know, it’s not even the regular season and i’m already writing who should contend with the Phoenix Suns for a playoff spot. But the Suns have a strong team this year and I couldn’t help myslef so let the speculation begin. The Suns went 48-34 last year and couldn’t get a playoff spot (the Grizzles got that last spot). The expectation around the league is that Spurs, Thunder and Clippers are essentially a guarantee to make the playoffs. The Trailblazers will also be a top team in the West this year, so I will talk about the other teams that should be competing with the Suns for those last couple of spots. I will also go in order of who is most likely to get seeds 5-8 and the best team not to make the playoffs.

5. Golden State Warriors:

Like Portland the Warriors are close to guaranteeing a playoff spot, but after the top 4 teams no one is really guaranteed a spot. Steph Curry is one of the best players in the league, Andre Iguodala is a baller and they have a great supporting cast. Not to mention their defense was tied for 3rd in the league. This team will be dangerous and will be tough for the Suns to knock off the 5th seed.

6: Houston Rockets:

They will take a bit of a dip due to both the Warriors and the Trailblazers getting better. They lost Parson and Lin when they were trying to get Bosh but this team still has talent. Howard and Harden are stars (some would argue superstars but I’m not on that bandwagon). This team also has a good defense. I expect the Phoenix Suns to compete with them and maybe knock then down to the 7th or 8th seed but i still expect the Rockets to make the playoffs.

7: Phoenix Suns

I like the Phoenix Suns enough to think they they will get in over the Mavericks and the Grizzles. They have the offensive firepower to do it; they’re very motivated and hungry and they can play with the best of them. I expect under head coach Jeff Hornacek, the team will improve enough to leap over the two teams that knocked them out last year.

8: Dallas Mavericks:

In Dirk I trust. He is the main reason I put the Mavericks above the Grizzles. He is efficient, he is a baller, he is clutch and he is everything you want in a superstar talent. Not to mention, this team has Chandler Parsons, Monta Ellis and Tyson Chandler to help Dirk seal another playoff run. It will be close between the two but if I had to chose now, I’m taking the future hall of famer to lead his team.

9: Memphis Grizzles:

The Grizzles just won’t have enough wins to close out the season it the playoffs. This is a talented team but unfortunately they play in the most competitive western conference I have ever seen. If they could pull off a couple miracle wins, they could easily take Dallas’ spot but i don’t got them doing that.

 In my mind right now, the Phoenix Suns should make the playoffs. Something could happen to change that but at this point I expect them to finish what they started last year.