The Western Conference is absolutely stacked heading into the 2025 NBA season. From veteran-led dynasties to young superstars on the rise, every night will feel big when these teams hit the floor . The path to the Finals runs through the West, and the question is simple: who has the firepower to survive it?
Teams with No Chance
Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers
These teams are still building for the future. There are flashes of potential, but none of them are ready to hang with the elite just yet.
The Pretenders
Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, LA Clippers, San Antonio Spurs
Every one of these teams has talent. Some have stars. But they all share the same issue: they can’t put it together when it matters. They’ll win plenty of games, maybe even make the playoffs, but no one’s mistaking them for championship material.
The Contenders
Houston Rockets (41-41 last year)
Losing Fred VanVleet looked like a setback, but the arrival of Kevin Durant completely changed the equation. With Durant now leading the charge, Houston has gone from scrappy upstart to legitimate threat. His presence gives this young, athletic group the experience and scoring punch they were missing. Amen Thompson continues to grow into a star, and Alperen Şengün has quietly become one of the most skilled big men in the league. The Rockets can score from anywhere, defend at a high level, and play with a confidence that comes from having one of the greatest players in basketball history on their side. Make no mistake, Houston is for real.
Los Angeles Lakers (47-35 last year)
LeBron’s early-season absence hurts, but as long as number 23 is on the court, the Lakers are always in the mix. Deandre Ayton gives them a much-needed interior presence, and Luka Dončić is now fully stepping into the spotlight as the face of the franchise. With LeBron possibly entering his final season in a Lakers uniform, there’s an urgency surrounding this team. If Luka can take over and LeBron still has one more great run in him, Los Angeles could absolutely make another push for the Finals.
Golden State Warriors (47-36 last year)
Whenever Steph Curry is healthy, the Warriors are dangerous. Their philosophy hasn’t changed: move the ball, shoot the lights out, and force teams to play their style. Jimmy Butler brings toughness and edge in year two with the team, while Al Horford adds veteran leadership and spacing in the frontcourt. The core may be aging, but Golden State’s formula still wins games.
Dallas Mavericks (50-32 last year
Dallas has star power in bunches with Anthony Davis, rookie phenomenon Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving. The only concern is health. If this team stays on the floor, they’re as talented as anyone in the league. With their offensive versatility and playoff experience, the Mavericks have the ceiling of an NBA Finals contender.
Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26 last year)
Minnesota is right on the edge of greatness. Julius Randle, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert lead a team that’s made back-to-back deep playoff runs but can’t seem to finish the job. They have the roster, the defense, and the momentum. If Edwards takes another leap, the Wolves could finally find themselves in the Finals conversation.
The Favorites
Denver Nuggets (57-25 last year)
Denver looked primed for another Finals run before losing in a heartbreaking Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nikola Jokić continues to be the most dominant player in the sport, capable of controlling the game without even scoring. With elite spacing, shooting, and chemistry, the Nuggets are built to contend again. They’re deep, disciplined, and motivated to erase the sting of last year’s playoff exit.
Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25 last year)
The defending champions enter the season as the team to beat. Led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and supported by Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City is loaded from top to bottom. There are no weak links. They defend, they share the ball, and they close out games with poise. The Thunder have everything needed to repeat, but the West has only gotten tougher, and everyone’s gunning for them now.
Closing Thoughts
The Western Conference is a battlefield this season. Denver and Oklahoma City stand at the top for now, but the Lakers, Mavericks, Timberwolves, and the newly energized Rockets are right behind them. With Kevin Durant now in Houston, the entire balance of power has shifted. If he can stay healthy and the young core around him continues to grow, the Rockets could be the team no one wants to see in May. Also Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler in Golden State with the Warriors they are no slouch team either. One thing’s certain: the road to the NBA Finals runs through the West, and it’s going to be a war to get there.