The western conferences two year championship run snapped last season. After an interesting playoffs, Dallas lost in the finals 4-1. Most western teams made major moves once the offseason began. Viewers have interest in the stacked northwest division and how every team in the pacific could make the playoffs. Teams like Memphis could break out and have a longer playoff run. The conference champion Mavericks have a tough task to getting back to the finals.
That’s a lot to process, so let’s focus on which eight teams have the best chances of making the western conference playoffs.
Denver Nuggets
League MVP Nikola Jokic wants payback after missing the conference finals. Denver’s depth makes them the top pick to clinch a playoff spot in the west.
Memphis Grizzlies
Injuries shouldn’t be a problem this season even if star point guard Ja Morant is suspended again. Memphis drafting Yuki Kawamura adds to an explosive offense and physical defense.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns have a great trio with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Now they have the depth with Monte Morris and Grayson Allen at guard and forward. Phoenix needs a fast start and better chemistry after a wasted 2023-24 season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota was great last year, but they could be better this season. Trading Karl-Anthony Towns was a great move because it brought in better players who are physical on defense and not afraid to drive to the basket on offense. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are upgrades at the forward positions while the Timberwolves kept their center and guard depth. Minnesota is a top contender for the first overall seed in the west.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The young Thunder were great last year. Then they traded Josh Giddey to Chicago for Alex Caruso. The veteran guard tandem of Caruso and last year’s highly praised league MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can elevate Oklahoma City into another top playoff seed and go further in the postseason. The Thunder also added depth at forward.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has one of the best guard tandems in the league and should get more contributions from center Daniel Gafford this season. The Mavericks will be fun to watch.
Golden State Warriors
It’s a big year for the Warriors. Klay Thompson left in free agency and coach Steve Kerr has to give the younger players more minutes. We’ll find out how Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II and Andrew Wiggins adjust to these changes the first month of the season. Brandin Podziemski should have a breakout year starting at shooting guard.
Sacramento Kings
There’s too much talent for Sacramento not to miss the playoffs. Coach Mike Brown should have an easier season now that there’s better forward depth.
Play-in losing teams: Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs
JD's Sportscorner 
I’m sad about Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo leaving the Knicks. I Hope they do well in Minnesota. Denver or Minnesota will likely be the best teams in the West. Of course, the laughably overrated Lakers have 40 games on television this year.
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I see what you mean, because they were great at the three and by the rim. I think Denver and Minnesota are the top two and both Memphis and OKC very close behind.
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Inspiring
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