Purple&Blues Q&A : Western Conference
By Cody Powers
February 12, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin (7, left) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12, right) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
4. Which team is the “dark horse” to win the Western Conference?
Haslam – Golden State Warriors- They have the shooting in the backcourt and their front court is solid if they can stay healthy with Igoudala, Lee and Bogut. Losing Jack might hurt them more than they expect.
L. McDermott – Houston Rockets. They added the second biggest prize in free agency by signing Dwight Howard. He should help make Jeremy Lin’s job easier because defenses will have to focus on where Howard is at all times and Lin will be able to play more freely. If Omer Asik and Howard can develop chemistry and learn how to play together this could be a dangerous team. A starting lineup of Lin, Harden, Parsons, Asik, and Howard is as good as it gets. Getting past the Thunder, Spurs, Clippers and Grizzles is no small task.
R. McDermott – I think the Dark Horse to win the west are the Spurs. I think everyone is giving it to the Clippers, Thunder or Houston.
Newman – Not sure how dark horse they are but I’m going with the Clippers. Since the Thunder and the Spurs have won it the last couple seasons I’m considering the Clippers a dark horse here. To me top to bottom they have the most talented team. Great starting five with a deep deep bench and one of the best coaches in the NBA.
Anderson – The Clippers could seemingly leapfrog the Thunder and Spurs, but I think the darkest “dark horse” is Golden State.
Powers – I think that everyone is looking at Houston, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City as the favorites to win the conference. I think the Clippers added a lot this off season and should be up there. I could see the Clips getting past everyone.