From time to time, NBA.com’s writers will share their takes on the biggest storylines and trends around the league.

Cast your early forecast: how will the Western Conference standings take shape by season’s end?

Steve Aschburner

Oklahoma City
Minnesota
Denver
Houston
LA Lakers
Golden State
LA Clippers
Dallas
San Antonio
Sacramento

Trying to predict the West’s Top 10 is what guessing the first 10 arrivals from the Bataan Death March must have felt like. It’s likely the top finishers will be the least bloodied or injury-bit, because the quality of competition is so high – and so even. There’s no reason to doubt the Thunder’s ability to stay hungry in defense of their title, which so many young starters hitting their stride. Anthony Edwards will be eyeing SGA’s scoring and MVP crowns, and his Wolves either take another step or risk losing momentum. The Nuggets finally spruced up the roster around Nikola Jokić after two seasons of backsliding. Kevin Durant’s leadership skills will be put to the test with the young Rockets, and skinny Luka Doncić will be the most fascinating early-season storyline.

John Schuhmann

Oklahoma City
Denver
Minnesota
LA Clippers
Houston
Golden State
L.A. Lakers
Dallas
San Antonio
Memphis

The Thunder don’t need to keep their foot on the gas, but they’re a machine that will win a lot of games. Denver’s second unit looks improved, and the Wolves have proven over the last two years that they’re in that tier behind Oklahoma City. The Clippers are old, but they have better depth and better defense than the Warriors or Lakers. The Mavs and Spurs feel like the biggest wildcards in the West. Dallas could dominate with defense and rebounding or struggle with a lack of perimeter talent around their stacked frontline. If Victor Wembanyama makes a big leap offensively, the Spurs could rise with him.

Shaun Powell

Oklahoma City
Denver
Houston
Minnesota
LA Clippers
L.A. Lakers
Dallas
San Antonio
Golden State
Portland

Because the West is unforgiving, this promises to be a grueling, tense and ultimately disappointing journey for those who just miss the playoff cut. That means you, Warriors and (surprise) Trail Blazers and everyone else who falls in line after them.

As for the elitist eight, it’ll require good health and very few off-nights to secure those spots. Oklahoma City is boss until further notice. Until someone else comes along and threatens the Thunder for best record, which seems futile, given OKC won 68 games last year and hasn’t hit its stride yet. Given the Nuggets the best chance, followed by the Durant-infused Rockets.

Brian Martin

Oklahoma City 
Denver 
Houston 
Minnesota 
LA Clippers
Golden State 
L.A. Lakers
San Antonio 
Dallas 
Memphis 

As last season proved – with six postseason teams separated by two games – the margins for success in the West are razor thin.

OKC is the exception, winning by 16 games last season, and entering as West favorites with their young core still growing.

Denver’s added depth should help them survive Jokić-less minutes, while Houston’s addition of Durant should solve any lulls in half-court offense. Minnesota, coming off back-to-back West Finals appearances, should remain in the mix.

The Clippers may be old (six players entering season 14+) but they’re deep, while the Warriors (Jimmy Butler III), Lakers (Dončic) and Spurs (De’Aaron Fox) will have full seasons with last year’s midseason additions.

A leap by Wembanyama could help the Spurs end a six-year playoff drought, while a strong rookie year from Cooper Flagg could help lift the Mavs. For the final spot, the Grizzlies edge out the Blazers, Kings and Pelicans.