Predicting The Western Conference Standings

As the 2024 NBA season approaches, the Western Conference is again set to be a battleground of elite talent and intense competition. With superstars shifting teams, rookies eager to make an impact, and contenders retooling their rosters, the race for playoff positioning has never been more unpredictable. Every team has a story and a shot at greatness, from the reigning conference champions to emerging young squads. In this article, we'll break down predictions for the 2024 Western Conference standings, analyzing key moves, potential breakout players, and which teams are poised to rise or fall in this highly competitive race. 

Standings Prediction:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder’s leap to the top of the Western Conference is bolstered not only by their young core of top guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren but also by intelligent veteran additions Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Caruso brings elite perimeter defense and a championship pedigree, which helps stabilize OKC's backcourt defensively, while Hartenstein provides reliable size, rebounding, and rim protection off the bench. These key additions make the Thunder more well-rounded, adding experience and toughness to an already talented roster.

2. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks' ability to land Klay Thompson in the offseason is a game-changer. Thompson's elite shooting and championship experience make him a perfect complement to Luka Dončić’s playmaking, spreading the floor and providing a much-needed defensive presence on the perimeter. Adding Naji Marshall also gives the Mavericks a versatile wing that can defend multiple positions and contribute offensively when needed. With these two additions, Dallas becomes a more balanced and dangerous team on both ends, solidifying them as top contenders in the West.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves are primed for a breakthrough season due to Anthony Edwards' rise as a franchise star. The chemistry between Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert should improve in their second season together, while Edwards’ two-way dominance will drive the team's success. With a more mature and cohesive system, plus the defensive edge provided by Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota has all the tools to secure another top-three finish, blending size, athleticism, and star power across the roster.

4. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans' offseason acquisition of Dejounte Murray gives them a dynamic two-way guard who complements Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram perfectly. Murray’s defensive prowess and playmaking ability balance New Orleans' high-powered offense while easing the burden on Ingram to create shots. If Zion can stay healthy, this team will be stacked with talent in every position and have the depth to compete with any team in the West. Murray’s arrival elevates the Pelicans’ ceiling, pushing them into serious contention.

5. Sacramento Kings

The Kings' trade for DeMar DeRozan brings veteran leadership and clutch scoring to one of the league’s most potent offenses. DeRozan adds a mid-range scoring dimension that complements De’Aaron Fox’s speed and Domantas Sabonis’ interior playmaking. His ability to create his shot in crunch time makes the Kings more dangerous in tight games, and his leadership will be invaluable for a team looking to build on last season's success. Sacramento’s mix of young talent and veteran experience should keep them firmly in the playoff picture.

6. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets will face a more demanding regular season after losing key role player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. KCP’s defense and three-point shooting were crucial in their title run, and without much depth already, his absence leaves a hole in Denver's perimeter defense and shooting. While Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray will keep the Nuggets competitive, they’ll have to rely heavily on their stars, and a thinner bench could see them drop a few spots in the standings.

7. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are poised to bounce back this season, bolstered by critical additions and the return of Ja Morant. Drafting Zach Edey, the towering 7'4" center and former NCAA standout, gives Memphis a unique interior presence. Edey’s size and rebounding ability will help fortify the Grizzlies’ frontcourt alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., adding another layer of rim protection and low-post scoring. Additionally, getting Marcus Smart back from injury gives Memphis a veteran leader and elite perimeter defender who can anchor the defense and facilitate the offense. Smart’s toughness, playmaking, and championship experience will help stabilize the team and make them a tough out in the competitive Western Conference. With Morant, Jackson Jr., and these reinforcements, the Grizzlies have the tools to secure a solid playoff spot.

8. Phoenix Suns

Phoenix boasts one of the most talented trios in the league, with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Still, concerns about depth and defensive consistency could hinder their regular-season performance. While Durant and Booker can carry the load, the Suns may struggle during stretches where their stars rest or face injuries. They’ll win plenty of games on talent alone, but balancing their rotation and managing the health of their key players could lead to a lower seeding.

9. Los Angeles Lakers

While LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain two of the best players in the league when healthy, the Lakers’ success will once again hinge on their availability. Both stars have struggled with injuries in recent years, and while they are capable of leading the team deep into the playoffs, staying on the court has been an issue. Additionally, with a new coaching staff, the team will need time to adjust to new schemes and rotations. The depth of the Western Conference only adds to their challenges, as the Lakers’ supporting cast, while improved, may not be enough to keep them afloat during the regular season without consistent contributions from LeBron and AD. This lack of depth, combined with the brutal competition in the West, could leave the Lakers battling for a play-in spot again.

10. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are challenging to trust in 2024-2025, especially after losing Paul George in the offseason and facing uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s health. James Harden adds firepower, but his age and recent injury history make him a questionable piece moving forward. If Kawhi struggles with injuries or Harden can’t stay healthy, the Clippers could slide out of playoff contention. Even with a deep roster, the lack of reliability from their star players creates too much instability.

11. Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry continues to perform at an elite level, keeping the Warriors competitive regardless of their roster changes. However, while the addition of veteran role players like Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton provides experience and leadership, the real key to Golden State’s success lies in the rapid development of their younger players. The team’s youth—players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and others—need to improve quickly if the Warriors are to contend in a loaded Western Conference. Curry’s brilliance can only take them so far, and without significant leaps from their young talent, the Warriors may struggle to maintain their status as a top-tier team.

12. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are set to improve significantly with another year of Victor Wembanyama’s development and the addition of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Paul brings invaluable leadership and playmaking to this young squad, while Barnes adds scoring and defensive versatility. Wembanyama’s continued growth will make the Spurs a stricter opponent on both ends of the floor, and while they may not be playoff contenders just yet, their win total will climb compared to last season.

13. Houston Rockets

The Rockets are still in rebuild mode, but the young talent on the roster gives them hope for the future. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson will continue to develop, but Houston’s inexperience and lack of veteran leadership will keep them near the bottom of the standings. The additions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks from last year will help improve their defense, but they are still a couple of years away from seriously competing in the loaded Western Conference.

14. Portland Trail Blazers

With the Damian Lillard era officially behind them, the Trail Blazers are focused on rebuilding and developing their young core. Winning isn’t the top priority for Portland this season as they look to give Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons the time and space to grow into future stars. The Blazers are committed to nurturing their young talent and building a foundation for long-term success, even if that means enduring a few tough seasons in the highly competitive Western Conference.

15. Utah Jazz

The Jazz are entering a phase where player development takes precedence over wins. While Lauri Markkanen has emerged as a critical piece, Utah is more focused on developing its young prospects like Walker Kessler and Keyonte George. Winning games isn’t the top priority this season, as the Jazz aim to grow their young core and build toward future success. With patience and steady progress, Utah is setting the groundwork for long-term competitiveness in the West.

Predicting the final standings in the Western Conference is always challenging due to the constant evolution of teams and the immense depth within the conference. As we saw last season, winning 46 games only gets you into the play-in game. Injuries, player development, and unexpected breakout seasons can dramatically alter the landscape, making it difficult to pinpoint where each team will land. As new talent emerges and established stars continue to perform, the West remains one of the most competitive environments in the NBA. With so many teams capable of making a deep playoff push, the race for positioning will be tight, and surprises are inevitable in such a talented and unpredictable conference.