In my previous blog, I went over my predictions for the Eastern Conference for this upcoming year, so in this blog, I’ll be going over my predictions for the West.

1. Thunder

The Thunder just finished one of the most impressive seasons in NBA history. They set an NBA record for point differential last year, beating their opponents by an average of 12.6 ppg. With them pretty much running it back with the same roster, there’s no reason for me not to have them at number 1.

2. Nuggets

The Nuggets just had a very successful offseason, adding much-needed depth by bringing back Bruce Brown, signing Jonas Valanciunas to back up Jokic, acquiring a shooter in Tim Hardaway Jr., as well as trading MPJ for Cam Johnson. With these new pieces around the best player in the world, expect the Nuggets to be one of the best teams in the league.

3. Rockets

The Rockets finally added a primary scorer whom they can rely on in crunch time, somebody who can get a good look whenever he wants. This was the Rockets’ biggest flaw last year, and with that big void filled, the Rockets are looking like a complete team. However, with Fred Vanvleet out for the whole year with injury, the Rockets are going to have to figure out if Amen Thompson can fill the point guard role or if they will have to make a trade for one.

4. Lakers

Austin Reeves is looking like an absolute superstar so far, and I’m interested to see how he and Lebron adjust once Lebron returns from injury. The Lakers also somewhat strengthened their massive weakness at the center position by signing Deandre Ayton, who, I guess, is at least better than Jaxson Hayes, who was starting for them last year. This will open up Luka’s game even more by giving him a lob threat, making him even more dangerous. However, their perimeter defense is a problem, their starting backcourt of Luka and Reeves are both negative on defense, and Lebron is, of course, not who he once was. They’re going to need Marcus Smart to play like he did in Boston and another acquisition to help the Lakers be at least average on that side of the ball.

5. Warriors

Al Horford is one of the most underrated signings of the offseason. I believe it was so important that the Warriors signed a stretch big, especially because they have 3 key players who are sub-par shooters: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Jimmy Butler. Thus, having a shooting big will open up the floor for these players, allowing them to play a bit more freely with the paint less clogged up. With Steph Curry’s prime years closing, this will be one of the Warriors’ last year competing for a championship with him. Not to mention Butler’s prime years are closing fast as well.

6. Spurs

If this breakout year from Wemby continues, the rest of the league is in trouble. He looks taller, he looks stronger, he looks more physical, he looks more patient, so in simple terms . . . he’s an absolute alien. Not to mention that the Spurs have two very elite young guards: reigning rookie of the year Stephon Castle and 2nd overall pick Dylan Harper. One question I have for this team is, what are they going to do when De’Aaron Fox returns? Dylan Harper has looked like a stud, and I would hate to see him go to the bench, and the Spurs might agree. Perhaps we see a De’Aaron Fox trade at the deadline to help balance out this roster.

7. Timberwolves

I have the Timberwolves sliding down a bit after making the conference finals last year because the West is stacked this year, and the Wolves didn’t do much in the offseason; they weren’t able to sign any free agents who will be solid rotation players, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker left in free agency. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wolves finished as a top 5 team in the West after back-to-back conference finals trips, but I would say it’ll be much harder this year.

8. Mavericks

The Mavericks are an interesting team; they have the number one pick, 18 year-old Cooper Flagg, they also have 32 year-old injury-prone Anthony Davis, as well as 33 year-old Kyrie Irving, who will be returning from an ACL tear around January. There are a lot of good things about this team, but also a lot of question marks surrounding them. If Anthony Davis can stay healthy and Kyrie can be at least 80% of his pre-injury self this team can definitely make some noise. This prediction is either going to be very wrong or right on the money.

9. Clippers

The Clippers are old; their starting lineup features James Harden, Bradley Beal, and Kawhi Leonard, plus Chris Paul coming off the bench. If this team were from 7-8 years ago, they would be top-tier contenders, but it’s 2025. This team is old, injury-prone, and I don’t see them going anywhere in the loaded Western Conference.

10. Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have slid off in recent years, and I expect them to continue sliding, especially with them trading away Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies got a haul for Bane that will definitely help them in the long run, but not in the present. The Grizzlies now have a huge void on offense and will need Ja Morant to have a comeback year to be competitive.

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11. Kings

12. Pelicans

13. Suns

14. Blazers

15. Jazz