2007 NBA Pacific Division Preview

2007 Pacific Division season preview from MadduxSports.com. At our website you can also find our Expert NBA picks and live NBA odds each and every single day.

In the Pacific Division, fans have seen the Phoenix Suns rise and the Los Angeles Lakers slowly diminish. This is a division that features one powerhouse, a few possible quality teams and some also-rans.

The Suns are one of the finest scoring clubs in the NBA. They can hit from outside and inside. Although they have a wealth of athleticism on board, Phoenix can really use more solid rebounding and defense to take them deep. Steve Nash is simply one of the best point guards in the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers will probably come in a distant second in the Pacific Division. They really can’t match-up with the Suns, but they do still have Kobe Bryant—a massive point producer. With Phil Jackson coaching and a team that plays both sides of the ball nicely, the Lakers may prove to be one of the better clubs in the conference. Look for Bryant to try to keep the peace and to be productive.

The Golden State Warriors offer fine scoring and terrible defense. Coach Don Nelson is one of the best minds in the NBA. Last season the team won 42 games-- an eight-game improvement. This season the fans want more. Will they get it?

The Los Angeles Clippers have lost star Elton Brand for the entire season. That loss is a huge blow to this club that two years ago went to the post season. How can they make-up for his .533 FG%, 9.3 RB and 25.6 PPG? They probably can’t and that means that it’s going to be a long season for the Clippers.

Over the past five years, the Sacramento Kings have shown steady decline. Ron Artest must step-up while coach Reggie Theus has to be the ultimate team leader. The Kings have some good scorers but the club’s defense is very porous. This is a team that must reach deep into itself in order to make any gains.

The Suns are the top, while the Lakers are looking to be a step or two below Phoenix. The other division teams are “also rans” this year.

2007 NBA Pacific Division Predictions

Projected Order of Finish: Click on team name for individual in-depth team outlook.

1) Phoenix Suns
2) Los Angeles Lakers
3) Golden State Warriors
4) Los Angeles Clippers
5) Sacramento Kings