Wild West

Here's the outcome of the Western Conference, scenario 1:

1. Dallas 64-18
2. Phoenix 63-19
3. San Antonio 61-21
4. L.A. Clippers 53-29
5. Utah 45-37
6. L.A. Lakers 43-29
7. Golden State 43-29
8. Denver 43-29
9. Sacramento 41-41
10. Minnesota 41-41
11. Houston 38-44
12. Memphis 37-45
13. New Orleans 34-48
14. Portland 27-55
15. Seattle 20-62

When I saw these results I did a reality check and looked at last season's win totals. Last season there were two 60 win teams, this projection has three, though this season all are in the West.

Golden State may well be the lower tier team to jell to the point of being able to crack the playoffs.

Utah feels it's much better with a healthy Carlos Boozer and an upgraded outside shooting game with Derek Fisher.

Missing the playoffs would be a disasterous outcome for Houston and Sacramento.