How Will The Pacific Division Play Out Next Season?

April 5, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the basketball against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Jazz defeated the Kings 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Place – Sacramento Kings – 40-42

Is this optimistic? Maybe. But I never write anything I don’t believe, and I do think there’s a good chance the Kings have a good season. DeMarcus Cousins is on the verge of another Shaq-like season and the rest of Sacramento’s team is good but not great, which is how I see the Kings doing this season.

Let’s be honest, to most good teams 40 wins isn’t even good. But to the Kings, who haven’t managed even 30 wins since 2008, 40 wins would be absolutely fantastic. And I see it happening. The additions of some solid players like Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli, Seth Curry, Duje Dukan, Kosta Koufos and Willie Cauley-Stein among others have me thinking the Kings are ready to finally start getting some wins and out of the lottery.

I don’t see any of these first three teams making the playoffs, no matter what order they fall in, but out of them Sacramento has the best chance. It’ll take a lot more than 40 wins though, seeing as unfortunately Sacramento doesn’t play in the Eastern Conference.

Now let’s move on to the two strongest teams in the Pacific Division, who will certainly be in the postseason.

Next: The Not-Terrible Los Angeles Team