Been in a debate with a friend. We have 100 bucks on this.
Who finishes with the higher seed? Timberwolves or Kings?
My argument is, if both teams are fully healthy, it's clearly the Timberwolves. The Wolves have more talent, and frankly, a better offensive mind as a head coach. The Kings are also right where the 2021-2022 Wolves were. Overachieved. And like the Wolves in 2022-2023, I feel like the Kings will slip a bit. Kings also didn't do a thing to address their defensive lapses and size issues.
The west will be a dogfight for seeds 3-8. I feel like Denver and Phoenix are the class of the conference. After that, it is wide open, depending on so many factors. The only teams in the west that I feel cannot challenge for the 8 seed are: Utah, Portland, and Houston. I think San Antonio will be better, and not just because of Wemby. They are due for a jump. OKC will take a leap with a healthy Holmgren. The Wolves, if healthy, will win a lot. Lakers are a crapshoot. But I think they will be there. Golden State -- could be top-3 if all plays out right. But if they get hurt, they could be out of the playoffs entirely. I think it is a virtual unknown. They are OLD. But I never underestimate talent. If they all are healthy and perform like they are able at this point in their careers, they could probably nab the three seed.
Anyway, I'm winning that hundo. Timberwolves will seed higher than the Kings.