Competing for the heroes! New season prediction: 10 playoff teams?

. But as Edwards' offensive system gradually matures, the Timberwolves remain a very threatening playoff team in the new season.

Potential Western Conference Playoff Teams: Lakers, Clippers

The biggest variable for the Lakers comes from Doncic. The physical condition of the new season seems to be better than ever. If he can play a full healthy season, the Lakers should be able to make steady progress to the playoffs. Although James' age is indeed a hidden danger, Reeves is improving year by year, and the inside is supplemented by Ayton, and Laravia and Smart have also improved their lineup depth. Beside the healthy Doncic, the Lakers are still stable enough.

Then the Clippers, their problem should be Leonard's recent Yin-Yang contract. If the team's lineup remains intact, the Clippers are still the top contender in the West. Although Leonard and Harden are getting older, they can still dominate the game at critical moments. Zubac is stable enough inside, and the joining of Collins and Bills has added tactical changes. He had already played the third defense in the league last season, and it is not difficult to maintain the same level in the new season. As long as there is no trouble in Leonard's contract, the Clippers are still a playoff team.

Western Playoff Teams: Spurs, Warriors

The Spurs last season have begun to show their playoff power. Wenban Yama has entered his third season, and now there is only one goal in front of him: to lead the Spurs back to the playoffs. The team has tailored a more reasonable lineup for him. Rookies Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant are expected to play an important role in their rookie season. Fox won a maximum salary contract, which also means that he needs to provide more stable performance to fulfill his value. There are also Wassel, Sohan, Kelden, Castle and others. If this core team remains healthy, the Spurs will be the playoff team without surprise.

Finally, there are the Warriors. For this veteran team, their trump card is still Stephen Curry. Beside Curry, Butler and Green are already the core of both offense and defense. The introduction of Horford to strengthen the inside is also a targeted recruitment. The disadvantage lies in the continuity of the combat power of these veterans. It is true that it is still difficult to rely on them to output stably for a season, and it still requires the growth of young players. The problem at the moment is that the future between Kumingga and the Warriors has not yet been determined.

Finally, there are many biggest suspenses in the new season. Can the Thunder successfully defend their title? Have the Nuggets, the Timberwolves and the Rockets become their obstacles? Under the heroic structure in the east, who can grasp the vacuum of Tatum and Halliburton's injury retreat?

The final answer is about to be revealed, basketball will not lie, and the story of the 2025-26 season is about to begin.

source:2in1 7m