The Western Conference of the NBA 2025-26 season will be one of the most gripping narratives. On one hand, there are eight teams, all capable of finishing anywhere in the top eight positions. However, such has been the dominance of the Oklahoma City Thunder that they may surpass the 73 wins record set by Golden State in 2015-16.
The West has always been brimming with talent, and there could be a few surprises in store this year as well. The Denver Nuggets can push the Thunder all the way, while the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves have built strong teams capable of challenging for the title. Here’s a look at which eight teams are likely to bag playoff berths and why others may struggle to keep up the pace with the best.
Another title loading for Oklahoma City Thunder?
The title is simply put theirs to lose. 13 of their star-studded roster return from last season. Injuries could be the only thing that can disrupt the script.
The defending champions will set the pace, and they’ve got every aspect to dominate the charts. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last year’s MVP, will join hands with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Oklahoma also have incredible depth off the bench to remain unscathed through the 82-game gruelling schedule.
Race for the second-seed in the West
Kevin Durant joined the Houston Rockets during the offseason in a blockbuster move. The legend will have Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun for company, but Fred VanVleet has been ruled out with a torn UCL. They do have enough firepower to reach the playoffs, but perhaps they overdid things a bit on the frontcourt, leaving the backcourt a wee bit exposed.
The LA Clippers were the surprise package last year, but they will be looking to go the distance once again. The troika of James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Kawhi Leonard will be joined by fresh faces Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez. Keeping Leonard fit will be the real deal for the Clippers, and that’s only half the job; the playoffs will be another puzzle altogether.
Stephen Curry (37), Jimmy Butler (36), Draymond Green (35) and Al Horford (39) will not get any younger. Therefore, rotation and keeping their superstars fresh will be the task for the Golden State Warriors. The real challenge will be navigating past the first playoff round. The Warriors will hope their supporting cast will stand up and deliver when needed.
Minnesota Timberwolves banking on Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards will once again look to fire up the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last year, they won 49 games, and they’re sticking to the same template. Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley will be key. The top eight players may be playing 48 minutes every night, but that script could leave them behind their rivals for a playoff seeding.
Nuggets over-reliant on Nikola Jokic?
The Denver Nuggets will hope Nikola Jokic’s chemistry with Jamal Murray continues to bear fruit. Denver are a team well known for their ball movement, but their chances against a team with a bigger roster wouldn’t be favorable. The starting five is all elite, but beyond that is plenty of trouble.
LeBron, Doncic and the star cast of Lakers
LeBron James continues to shine in his twilight years. Luka Doncic’s playmaking, combined with James’ leadership and Austin Reaves behind them, would give any 3×3 team a run for their money. Rui Hachimura is yet to fulfil his potential, although the Lakers did sign Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia to add more depth.
Both James and Doncic will need spells to rest, and the bench players will be crucial to avoid another Play-In round fixture.
Dallas Mavericks counting on Cooper Flagg’s heroics
Rookie Cooper Flagg took the league by storm with his athleticism and energy last season. Kyrie Irving tore his ACL, and he was replaced by D’Angelo Russell. Anthony Davis is pure quality, but beyond the three starters is where things get tricky.
Dereck Lively II is too young for now, and the same can be said for Daniel Gafford. The Dallas Mavericks could have a gap year without Irving, but they should be building their team around Flagg, who could be their next Doncic.
San Antonio Spurs boosted by Victor Wembanyama’s return
Victor Wembanyama is back to full fitness, and he basically guarantees the San Antonio Spurs a top-ten defense. The presence of De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper helps the cause, but the team looks short on offense. Devin Vassell will be among the starters, while Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson should make up a solid group capable of fighting for the playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies look to wipe the slate clean
The Memphis Grizzlies have a new coach in Tuomas Iisalo. This year, they will look to rebuild and reset. Memphis will once again rely on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, the latter remains injury-prone, but it is what it is. Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will look to fill the gaping hole after Desmond Bane’s departure. The Grizzlies lack a bit of star power, and they have yet to find their starting center.
Can Domantas Sabonis revive the Sacramento Kings?
Domantas Sabonis is the man the Sacramento Kings are building around. DeMar DeRozan, Drew Eubanks and Nique Clifford might make up the starting five. Zach LaVine and Malik Monk will be part of the supporting cast. The only thing is the Kings are in the wrong division; if they were in the East, they would finish much higher, but the West is unforgiving.
Life at the bottom of the division
Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Utah Jazz will likely have to be content with places in the lower end of the spectrum, given their inexperience and lack of star power.