With the 2024-25 NBA season just
days away, the Western Conference is locked, loaded, and ready for
battle. The offseason drama has settled, rosters are finalized, and
every team is gearing up for what promises to be a fierce and
competitive race. From reigning contenders to rising underdogs, the
West is stacked with talent and ambition. Let’s break down
the top 15 teams in the West as we head into this thrilling new season—no
frills, just what you need to know.

1. Minnesota
   Timberwolves
   The Timberwolves are turning a new page after
   trading away longtime cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius
   Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and are now fully embracing Anthony
   Edwards as the franchise cornerstone. The T-Wolves’ mix of young
   talent and veteran leadership gives them a balanced roster around
   Edwards. Rudy Gobert remains a defensive anchor as a 4-time DPOY,
   Edwards is primed for a superstar leap, and if the supporting cast,
   including Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, steps up, the Wolves could
   be ready to take the top spot in the West.
2. Oklahoma City
   Thunder
   The Thunder’s rebuild is no longer a long-term
   project; they’re ready to compete now. However, due to Isaiah
   Hartenstein’s injury to start the season, we’re placing the Thunder
   at no.2 for now. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already an All-NBA
   guard and arguably a top 5 player in the league. Chet Holmgren and
   Jalen Williams figure out to be the dynamic inside-out duo around
   SGA. Add in Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, the two new acquisitions
   this offseason with their capable role players Lu Dort, Cason
   Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, this young core is as
   versatile as it is exciting. OKC’s depth and versatility on both
   ends of the floor could propel them into serious title
   contention.
3. Phoenix Suns
   The Suns have loaded up for a title run, and
   with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal leading the
   charge, Phoenix has one of the most dangerous offensive trios in
   the league. They have added their most significant hole which is
   the PG spot with a solid pick up in Tyus Jones, and they have one
   of the best offensive coaches in the league in Mike Budenholzer.
   The Suns’ questions lie in their depth and health, but if they can
   manage those concerns, they’re built for a championship push. Their
   offensive firepower is unmatched, and if they click, the Suns will
   be a team no one wants to face.
4. Memphis
   Grizzlies
   Memphis has weathered their offseason storms
   and enters the season with a gritty identity intact. Ja Morant is
   back after his injury and suspension last year and he will now play
   with last season’s addition Marcus Smart. Together with the
   continued growth of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, the
   Grizzlies are primed to be competitive and come back from their
   prime two seasons ago where they won 50+ games. Memphis’ defensive
   dominance paired with offensive firepower ensures they can be one
   of the top teams in the West with a deep bench with solid role
   players.
5. Denver
   Nuggets
   After
   falling short to Minnesota in 7 games last playoffs, the Nuggets
   will enter the season with their core mostly intact. Nikola Jokić
   remains the most dominant center and the best player in the game.
   With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. healthy, the Nuggets are
   poised for another deep run. But perhaps their biggest loss this
   season was losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to free agency and that
   might be a hit so they’re currently ranked at no.5 to start the
   year. It could be a lot to ask for young players like Christian
   Braun or Julian Strawther to fill the void left by KCP, so it will
   be interesting to see how Denver handles his loss this
   season.
6. Dallas
   Mavericks
   Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving experiment is back
   after a successful season last year, where Dallas entered the NBA
   Finals for the first time since 2011 – when they won the title. The
   two stars can mesh to create one of the league’s most potent
   offenses and with the continued internal development of young
   players like Dereck Lively, the Mavs can build on that Finals
   appearance. With newcomer Klay Thompson set to provide historic
   spacing for their dynamic duo, Dallas has the talent to climb the
   standings and challenge the top teams in the West.
7. New Orleans
   Pelicans
   The Pelicans’ fate will always hinge on Zion
   Williamson’s health. When Zion plays, New Orleans is a force to be
   reckoned with. Now paired with newly-acquired point guard Dejounte
   Murray, they have a balanced attack capable of competing with any
   team in the conference with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum still on
   the fold. If Zion stays on the floor, the Pelicans could find
   themselves rising up the ranks, but his availability remains the
   biggest X-factor.
8. Golden State
   Warriors
   The Warriors are clinging to their championship
   window with Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level. The
   addition of capable veterans in Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and
   DeAnthony Melton gives them depth and personnel that can play in
   their offense to surround the core of Curry and Draymond Green for
   their foundation. Health and age are concerns, but if their
   veterans stay intact, Golden State can’t be counted
   out.
9. Sacramento
   Kings
   The Kings struggled a bit last season after
   making their long-awaited playoff return two seasons ago, and
   they’re looking to build on that momentum. They have signed DeMar
   DeRozan and he should bring a new wrinkle to their motion and
   three-hunting offense. DeRozan’s mid range ability should be a
   welcome addition to Sacramento’s offense. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas
   Sabonis still lead an explosive offense, but defense remains a
   question mark. Sacramento’s high-flying, fast-paced style makes
   them a regular-season juggernaut, but they’ll need to tighten up
   defensively if they want to make a deep playoff run.
10. Los Angeles
    Lakers
    The Lakers are counting on LeBron James and
    Anthony Davis staying healthy for a full season. With the front
    office standing pat on making moves this offseason, the Lakers’
    success will hinge on their superstar duo. If LeBron and AD can
    avoid injury, Los Angeles will be a formidable playoff team, but
    health is always a looming concern with this group.
11. Houston
    Rockets
    The Rockets added veterans Fred VanVleet and
    Dillon Brooks to guide their young core last season and this season
    could be the time for them to step up. They finished strong last
    year behind defensive minded coach Ime Udoka and the result could
    be a team that surprises many. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have
    star potential, and younger players Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen
    Thompson add even more excitement. The Rockets also drafted Reed
    Sheppard with the 3rd pick and Houston is hoping to lay the
    foundation for success and could push for a Play-In spot this
    season.
12. San Antonio
    Spurs
    Victor Wembanyama enters his second season, and
    the Spurs are fully embracing their rebuild around the budding
    star. While Wembanyama showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie,
    San Antonio is still in the development phase. But with the
    addition of Chris Paul, the Spurs now have a capable PG to feed
    Wemby and the other guys, possibly unlocking a new level to their
    games. With their young core, the Spurs may not be a playoff team
    yet, but their future looks incredibly bright with Wembanyama
    leading the way.
13. Los Angeles
    Clippers
    The Clippers’ fortunes rest on the health of
    Kawhi Leonard—again. After losing Paul George for nothing, Leonard
    is left to fend LA off by himself in their new arena at Intuit
    Dome. Gone are the days when LA has the talent to compete with
    anyone as they’re just but a shell of themselves. Leading the way
    for the injured Leonard will be a 34-year-old James Harden and that
    might be too much to ask of the aging superstar. However, if Kawhi
    can return healthy and he can avoid the injury bug, the Clippers
    will be in the playoff mix, but that’s a big “if” for this
    squad.
14. Portland Trail
    Blazers
    With Damian Lillard long gone, the Blazers will
    fully commit another season to their rebuild. Scoot Henderson,
    Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe form a promising young core,
    but Portland will likely spend this season focusing on player
    development. While they won’t be in playoff contention, the Blazers
    are positioning themselves well for the future, with an eye on
    growth and improvement.
15. Utah Jazz
    The Jazz are continuing their rebuild, with
    Lauri Markkanen emerging as a cornerstone player. While they have
    some intriguing young pieces like Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte
    George, Utah isn’t ready to compete just yet. This season will be
    about development and finding which young players can be part of
    their long-term plans. The Jazz may not win many games this year,
    but they’re building toward a brighter future.