'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
6. Phoenix Suns
With the talent of Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, as well as veteran point guard Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns are widely-expected to make it back to the NBA playoffs this season after a 10-year hiatus. Booker was rumored to be moving on after having a second-consecutive season averaging 26 points. However, after the franchise's intentions were made clear in the offseason by bringing in Paul who helped carry OKC last season, the guard was persuaded to stay.
Record projection: 42-30
7. Houston Rockets
Despite the whirlwind offseason the Houston Rockets have had, they come into the 2020-21 NBA season with a strong unit. A lot will depend, however, on two things. Whether James Harden is happy, let alone if he plays well, and if they can keep DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall fit. The two new franchise stars have both just come back from a season on the sidelines and will be needed to hit the ground running if the Rockets are to succeed.
Record projection: 41-31
8. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers had a very successful offseason, adding depth in positions they struggled with last season. Damian Lillard is coming off a career-season but will have improved help with the likes of Derrick Jones Jr. and Robert Covington joining the side. Enes Kanter also returned to the franchise as a vital back-up to Jusuf Nurkic who missed the majority of last year through injury.
Record projection: 38-34
9. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have started the season off with a win against the Raptors and a loss to Miami. Trading wins for losses could be how the Pelicans season goes and unfortunately for them, the West is stacked yet again. Therefore, making it to the playoffs is going to be a big ask, particularly for young stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. If the Pelicans can lock in defensively, they could just about push for a place but may ultimately fail at the final hurdle.
Record projection: 37-35
10. San Antonio Spurs
A lot of the questions that loomed over the Spurs' failure to make the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years last season still remain at the franchise. DeMar DeRozan has been rumored to be leaving after it became clear the Spurs needed to go through a rebuilding process. The forward remains, however, at least for this year and you can guarantee Popovich's side will still make it a challenge for teams to beat them but will unlikely make the playoffs.
Record Projection: 33-39
