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NBA: Predictions For The Southwest Division In 2016-17

By Carter Johnson

Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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 After sending four teams to the NBA postseason in 2015-16, here’s a look at whether or not the Southwest Division will see more of the same in 2016-17.

NBA Playoffs
Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

The Southwest Division had another strong season in 2015-16, with four of its five teams making the NBA playoffs.

The San Antonio Spurs were once again the frontrunners as they shattered franchise and NBA records with a 67-15 regular season record that included an NBA-best 40 home wins. Unfortunately, the regular season success didn’t transfer over to the postseason, as they were bested by the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games in the second round.

The Memphis Grizzlies struggled mightily with injuries while the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets dealt with chemistry issues on the court. While all three teams managed to get into the playoffs, they were all easily eliminated in the first round by the likes of the Spurs, Thunder and Golden State Warriors.

The New Orleans Pelicans missed the postseason as the injury bug struck several crucial players on the team including star Anthony Davis, who missed the last quarter of the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder and a knee injury.

The 2016 offseason brought winds of change into the division as San Antonio lost the greatest player in franchise history to retirement, while Houston parted ways with the player they thought would be their franchise center. The Pelicans cleaned house while the Mavericks and Rockets dished out the dollars for their respective franchise players.

While the overall outlook of the division should be more or less the same, here’s a look at how the teams in the Southwest Division will fare in 2016-17.

Next: No. 5