The Only Western Conference NBA Preview You Need

Arya Shirazi, a writer for The Nation, has released her annual NBA preseason predictions. In her latest podcast, she provides her take on the Western Conference, highlighting the teams she believes will make a deep playoff run.

Shirazi's predictions focus on the top teams in the Western Conference, including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets, and the Phoenix Suns. She notes that the Lakers, led by LeBron James, have a strong roster and will likely make a deep playoff run.

The Nuggets, with their young core of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, are also expected to make a significant impact. The Suns, led by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, are expected to make a surprise run in the playoffs.

Shirazi praises the Suns' ability to score and defend, making them a formidable opponent. She also notes that the Suns' coaching staff, led by Monty Williams, has made significant improvements to the team's defense.

Shirazi's predictions also include the Golden State Warriors, who are expected to make a strong playoff push. She notes that the Warriors' experience and depth will allow them to overcome any challenges they face.

However, she also cautions that the Warriors' injuries have been a concern, and they may struggle to stay healthy throughout the season. In addition to her team-by-team predictions, Shirazi also discusses the overall state of the Western Conference.

She notes that the conference is highly competitive, with many teams vying for a spot in the playoffs. She also highlights the importance of the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, which will impact the league's salary cap and player movement.