2021-22 NBA Pacific Division Season Preview - NBA Picks & Predictions

The Pacific Division is one of the NBA’s strongest and the Los Angeles Lakers behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis are predicted to win 53.5 games and unseat the Phoenix Suns as the division champions. 

Phoenix Suns (+220)

However,  with Chris Paul at the helm leading the Suns and Devin Booker giving the Suns’ a scoring threat each time down the court, Phoenix will repeat as the Pacific Division champion. Phoenix added Elfrid Payton, Landry Shamet and JaVale McGee and did not lose any players that contributed much in 2020. McGee gives Phoenix a strong presence at the five-spot behind Deandre Ayton. The addition of Shamet gives Phoenix even more sharpshooters from three-point territory and Payton will be a good back up to Paul at the point. 

Los Angeles Lakers (+125)

Los Angeles lost  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, Wesley Matthews, Dennis Schroder, Ben McLemore and Markieff Morris. However, the Lakers added Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, Malik Monk, Dwight Howard, Kendrick Nunn and Wayne Ellington. The key however remains the health of both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who both spent several weeks injured last season. With the addition of Westbrook, the Lakers have instant offense both scoring and dishing the ball and the re-signing of Dwight Howard gives the Lakers a strong back up for Davis. With James, Davis and Westbrook on the court at the same time the Lakers will be difficult to contain.

Golden State Warriors (+350)

Golden State Warriors are predicted to win 48.5 games this season and much of that is thanks to the return of Stephen Curry and a healthy Klay Thompson. Golden State added Nemanja Bjelica, Chris Chiozza, Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter. Curry carried the Warriors all last season averaging 32 points per game with 5.8 assists. With Klay Thompson returning the Warriors should be more competitive but it is unknown how well the sharpshooter will be after missing so much time injured. The Warriors also have to make up for the loss of players such as Eric Paschall, Kelly Oubre, Kent Bazemore and Jordan Bell.

Los Angeles Clippers (+850)

The over/under prediction for the Los Angeles Clippers this season is 45.5. The Clippers added Justise Winslow and Eric Bledsoe during the off-season while re-signing Nicolas Batum, Reggie Jackson and Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers lost Rajon Rondo, Patrick Beverley, DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson. With Kawhi Leonard re-signed and Paul George returning the Clippers have strength in the backcourt and will have Nicolas Batum and Reggie Jackson along with new additions Justise Winslow and Eric Bledsoe. However, the Clippers will start the season without Leonard, who is out with a knee injury, as well as leading rebounder Serge Ibaka. Just recently the Clippers signed Isaiah Hartenstein to add depth to their backcourt.

Sacramento Kings (+5000)

The Sacramento Kings over/under win total has been set at 35.5. The Kings added Alex Len and Tristan Thompson to their roster and re-signed Richaun Holmes, Terrence Davis and Maurice Harkless. However, Sacramento lost Hassan Whiteside, Justin James, Delon Wright and Kyle Guy. Re-signing Holmes was a huge plus for Sacramento as the center is a strong defender both in the paint as well as the perimeter and has been the leading rebounder the last two seasons. However, without other additions to the offense or defensively, Sacramento is not expected to compete for the Pacific Division crown and will once again be led by De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Held, and Marvin Bagely III, if he can remain healthy.