Skip Bayless Predicts Which Team Will Win NBA West

The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the NBA Emirates Cup final.

They got back at Ime Udoka’s team, beating the same Houston Rockets team that beat them earlier in the season.

They’re now a scorching-hot 20-5 for the season, boasting the second-best record in the entire Association and holding onto the No. 1 seed in the stacked Western Conference.

That’s why, as much as they’ve missed Chet Holmgren’s shot-blocking and three-point shooting, Skip Bayless still likes their chances to win the West.

Following their win over the Rockets, the controversial pundit took to social media to give them his stamp of approval and nod to win the conference.

“I’d like OKC’s chances better vs Giannis if Chet were healthy and blocking shots and making 3s. But he will be back and THE THUNDER WILL WIN THE WEST,” Bayless said.

I’d like OKC’s chances better vs Giannis if Chet were healthy and blocking shots and making 3s. But he will be back and THE THUNDER WILL WIN THE WEST.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 15, 2024

That’s not much of a hot take.

The Thunder finished last season with the No. 1 seed in the West, and they’ve only gotten better this season.

Also, adding Isaiah Hartenstein has solved their size issues, and while they could still add another backup big man for depth, they have a flawless roaster, at least on paper.

They have a plethora of superb defenders.

They can also hurt other teams with athleticism, or they can run the floor, push the pace, and knock down shots from three.

Mark Daigneault’s team is versatile, deep, and well-coached, and the players favor the team over their own agendas.

The Thunder were promising and young last season.

They’re still young, but they’ve been battle-tested.

Given the way they’ve played and the moves they’ve made, you have to like their chances against anybody in a seven-game series.

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