NBA Expansion: Why the Timberwolves may soon join the Eastern Conference
By Tyler Key
Projected conference and division realignment (with time zones)
*The Atlantic and Southeast divisions remain the same as currently constructed.
Western Conference - Pacific Division:
Los Angeles Lakers (Pacific time zone)
Los Angeles Clippers (Pacific time zone)
Sacramento Kings (Pacific time zone)
Golden State Warriors (Pacific time zone)
Las Vegas ________ (Pacific time zone) - Joins the division
Western Conference - Northwest Division:
Portland Trail Blazers (Pacific time zone)
Seattle __________ (Pacific time zone) - Joins the division
Denver Nuggets (Mountain time zone)
Phoenix Suns (Mountain time zone) - Moves from the Pacific Division
Utah Jazz (Mountain time zone)
Western Conference - Southwest Division:
San Antonio Spurs (Central time zone)
Houston Rockets (Central time zone)
Dallas Mavericks (Central time zone)
Oklahoma City Thunder (Central time zone) - Moves from the Northwest Division
New Orleans Pelicans (Central time zone)
Memphis Grizzlies (Central time zone)
Eastern Conference - Central Division:
Minnesota Timberwolves (Central time zone) - Moves from the Northwest Division
Milwaukee Bucks (Central time zone)
Chicago Bulls (Central time zone)
Cleveland Cavs (Eastern time zone)
Indiana Pacers (Eastern time zone)
Detroit Pistons (Eastern time zone)
These conference and division realignments help both the NBA players and staff as well as the team's fans. Between reducing travel time to keeping NBA tip-off times more consistent for viewers on the East Coast and West Coast, the Minnesota Timberwolves moving to the Eastern Conference and the minor adjustments to the West divisions would be the ideal situation after the much-anticipated expansion teams join the NBA.
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