2017 NBA GO: The Real Western Conference PlayOff Threat??

While we could give a pass to the Golden State Warriors, the San Antonio Spurs, and the LA Clippers.. As previously said, the fourth team is still a toss in the air -- although it's currently occupied by the Houston Rockets who are actually number three as of this writing.

Yeah, Harden maybe playing at an MVP-level but then, it’s gonna be their first time to make the PlayOffs (Harden era) without Dwight Howard -- so, they’re sort of untested come the postseason. With that, the fourth spot in the Final Four may not really be theirs. Yup, not even for the present number five team, the Utah Jazz.

Instead, the Final Four could include the Memphis Grizzlies.

Surprised? Hey, they are in fact one of those teams that beat and could beat the NBA’s top teams in the PlayOffs. They may be low profile but look at their lineup. Competitive in all positions! And with their system and familiarity -- who knows?!!

The Rockets, just like the Warriors are suspect in the middle. But needless to say, the Warriors have more firepower than the Rockets. So, unless Anderson and Gordon become consistent enough from long range, they could fall in the first round against their current matchup -- the Memphis Grizzlies.

Meanwhile, the Jazz. Yes, the Jazz. They got two solid contributors in Hayward and Gobert. But even with the addition of George Hill and Boris Diaw, if Hood couldn’t stay healthy and rollin’ then they could easily be wiped out by the Clippers come PlayOffs. Favors? Don’t ya’ think he’s kinda soft?

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Despite a bad season, Western Conference tail-ender Dallas Mavericks are just 6 wins and 3 losses behind number eight, the Portland Trail Blazers -- and with still half a season to go! So, time for a streak of their own! What ya' say?

On the Eastern Conference, you know what’s really ailing last-placer Brooklyn Nets? Whether you like it or not, it’s the absence of Jeremy Lin. They just unknowingly miss his scoring and play-making ability that most everybody couldn’t do anything right.

Say what you?