2011-2012 NBA Pacific Division Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers to Win the NBA Pacific Division: Even though the Los Angeles Lakers finally lost their stranglehold on the NBA, they continued their dominance of the Pacific Division. It was arguably the weakest division in the Western Conference and the NBA, with only the Lakers making the postseason. In fact, Los Angeles was the only team to finish above .500 for the year in the division. Los Angeles is a powerhouse at the top, but the Pacific Division as a whole is as weak as they come these days.
2011-2012 NBA Pacific Division Odds and Preview
- Los Angeles Lakers (57-25 last season)
Last season came to a shocking end, with the Lakers being swept out of the playoffs by Dallas. The offseason has brought several changes, including the retirement of coach Phil Jackson and the on-again, off-again trade for point guard Chris Paul. For now, it looks like Kobe Bryant will once again lead the way, and unless the front office springs a deal to land center Dwight Howard, the Lakers will look a lot like the team that failed to win a title last season. A lack of competition should allow Los Angeles to easily repeat as Pacific champs, but a deep playoff run could be hard to come by once again. That being said, a blockbuster trade could quickly change Bryant and company from contenders to favorites.
- Los Angeles Clippers (32-50 last season)
Known largely as a punching bag for the rest of the NBA, the Clippers have quietly assembled a roster loaded with young talent. Forward Blake Griffin grabs headlines with his incredible athleticism and ability to finish around the rim, but shooting guard Eric Gordon is a star in the making as well. Center DeAndre Jordan is an amazing athlete, and he only gets better as his basketball skills develop. Throw in versatile scorer Al-Farouq Aminu, and the Clippers have more than enough firepower on offense. With veteran point guard Mo Williams running the show and the newly acquired Caron Butler providing depth and experience, there could be two teams from Los Angeles in the playoffs this year.
- Phoenix Suns (40-42 last season)
While several parts have changed over the years, the motor that keeps Phoenix running continues to be point guard Steve Nash. He makes sure 3-point gunners like Jared Dudley, Channing Frye and Mickael Pietrus get open looks, and he provides emerging big man Marcin Gortat with plenty of opportunities to finish around the rim. However, the veteran has developed some back issues in recent years and has often sat out the second game of back-to-backs. With a compressed schedule caused by the lockout, Nash is going to have fewer opportunities to rest. The physical toll on Nash alone will make a postseason appearance difficult for the Suns. Phoenix has the look of a team that will be on the bubble most of the season.
- Golden State Warriors (36-46 last season)
In terms of backcourt firepower, the Warriors can compete with any team in the NBA. Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis and Dorrell Wright can all pile up points in a hurry. Curry is the most versatile player of the group, while Wright is a deadly 3-point artist and Ellis has a stellar mid-range game. The problem for Golden State is stopping opponents from scoring and controlling the boards. With few steps taken by the front office to correct the issue, the Warriors will once again be forced to outscore teams on a nightly basis. If opponents live on the offensive glass and pound the Warriors in the paint, the playoffs will be out of reach early on.
- Sacramento Kings (24-58 last season)
A lack of talent isn’t necessarily the problem for the Kings, but the team lacks a real direction. Tyreke Evans has tons of talent at the point guard spot, but nagging injuries always seems to slow him down. Big man DeMarcus Cousins is equally talented but often disinterested, and with Jason Thompson, J.J. Hickson and Chuck Hayes also on the roster, the frontcourt rotation is cloudy at best. The shooting guard spot is a mystery as well. Rookie Jimmer Fredette will become an instant crowd favorite and is sure to get plenty of playing time, but Marcus Thorton was just given a big contract extension. Without a set rotation, Sacramento struggled last season. Until the Kings iron out the starters and role players, the struggles are going to continue.
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