NBA: Western Conference playoff predictions 

2. Houston Rockets

2017/18 record - 65 Wins, 17 Losses

Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors - Game Three

Last season, the Houston Rockets looked to have the Golden State Warriors figured out, leading the Western Conference Finals 3-2 with home court advantage. Sadly it was not the fairytale ending Rockets fans dreamed off as another Chris Paul injury saw Houston derailed and losing the series in seven at home.

Houston look to have taken a step back this year, being forced to pay big money to Paul and Capela meant they had to offload some of their depth that helped them become and top team on both sides of the floor, not just offensively.

With the likes of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute leaving and Carmelo Anthony being signed, it's not hard to see why fans will question how they will go as a defensive side when coming up against other championship contenders this year.

While it is hard to see them repeating last season's incredible feats, and even harder to see them topping it, Chris Paul and reigning MVP James Harden along with big man Clint Capela are too talented to not make a top seed once again in the West.

1. Golden State Warriors

2017/18 record - 58 Wins, 24 Losses

Golden State Warriors Victory Parade

There is more than a good chance the Warriors will complete the prestigious three-peat this season, anyone who would bet against them is most likely lying to themselves.

A seemingly perfect team just got better. For the years of the dynasty, teams looked to expose the lack of top quality at the centre position for the Warriors, but now, with the free-agent signing of one of the top centres of the league, DeMarcus Cousins, there will be no stopping this offensive juggernaut from scoring at any position on the court.

Bar mass injury or huge mental lapses, there will be very little stopping the Golden State Warriors from reaching the top seed in the Western Conference and achieving their fourth title in five years.