Western playoff preview

Sending readers the good Conference first.

3. TIMBERWOLVES VS. 6. SUNS

PHOENIX SUNS

Prediction: 49-33, tied for No. 2 in the West
Actual: 49-33, No. 6 in the West

What went even: Frank Vogel compelled a potent, passable sub-championship contender out of several similar parts. The stars dug in and worked, nary a plaint out of Phoenix. Bradley Beal came on late in a position he’s never played, something which should have exhausted him instead developed late-season vitality for the league’s fourth-oldest team.

But the West, it is strong. A zero bench and the 10th-fewest three-pointers notched but a top-nine offense, too low for this payroll, too dim for this lineup’s title window.