ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Dustin and Sage reunite for the 446th episode of Holy Backboard to preview the upcoming NBA season and rank the Western Conference from 1–15 based on projected regular-season finish.
The guys factor in injuries, load management, roster construction, depth, and each team's incentives heading into the season. They start at the bottom of the West, including Sacramento, before breaking down the outlooks for the Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Jazz, Mavericks, and Warriors.
They debate whether the Suns can establish themselves as a solid playoff team, question the Lakers' offseason moves and defense, and spend plenty of time figuring out where the Portland Trail Blazers belong. How much will the coaching changes matter? Can Portland's guard rotation hold up defensively? And just how important are the Blazers' depth and Robert Williams III's health?
At the top, Dustin and Sage have Oklahoma City and San Antonio leading the West. They also take a quick look at the Eastern Conference, pick their favorite League Pass teams for the season, and close with early MVP considerations and how the NBA's new officiating points of emphasis could impact the league.
Who's too high? Who's too low? And which Western Conference teams are the hardest to predict?
