The Western Conference is shaping up to be a wild race as we head into December, with several teams making strong early statements. From powerhouse contenders to surprising climbers, the standings are already tightening up.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) high fives Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesW-L: 18-1Win%: .947The Thunder are dominating the West with a near-perfect record — they’ve dropped only one game. Their balance of strong offense and defense has quickly made them the conference’s top contender.Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts to a shot against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesW-L: 13-4Win%: .765The Lakers are off to a strong start, showing resilience and consistency in close games. If they maintain this momentum, they’re shaping up as a serious threat in the playoff picture.Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesW-L: 13-4Win%: .765Denver is matching the top teams in the West, demonstrating both scoring firepower and defensive discipline. Their balanced play makes them a stable pick for a deep postseason run.Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0), guard-forward Amen Thompson (1), and guard Josh Okogie (20) huddle during a break in the action against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn ImagesW-L: 12-4Win%: .750The Rockets continue to surprise with efficient offense and improving cohesion on both ends. If they keep clicking, they could challenge higher-seeded teams for playoff positioning.San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) waits for an inbound pass while defended by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesW-L: 12-5Win%: .706The Spurs are solidly in the upper tier, pushing for a play-in or direct playoff spot. Their steady play and resilience in tight matches make them dangerous in the long haul.Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) celebrates with guard Jordan Goodwin (23) after making a three point shot during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn ImagesW-L: 12-7Win%: .632The Suns have had an up-and-down season but remain competitive thanks to key wins and improved chemistry. Their upside shows — if they find consistency, they could climb further up the standings.Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesW-L: 10-8Win%: .556Minnesota is hovering around the .500 mark but has shown flashes of competitiveness against tougher teams. If they tighten up their defense, they might sneak into play-in contention.Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gets up injured after a play against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn ImagesW-L: 10-10Win%: .500The Warriors are treading water — neither surging nor collapsing — trying to find consistency. Their chances hinge on whether they can string together stronger performances before season’s midpoint.Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers center/forward Robert Williams III (35) blocks San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) in the second half at Moda Center. Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn ImagesW-L: 8-11Win%: .421The Blazers are struggling to stay competitive and likely out of contention for top seeds. Unless they turn things around, a rebuilding mindset may soon dominate.Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) celebrates a score with guard Vince Williams Jr. (5) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesW-L: 7-12Win%: .368Memphis has had a rough stretch, showing inconsistency and defensive lapses. Their season might lean toward development and long-term growth instead of playoff push.Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz guard Walter Clayton Jr. (13) dribbles the ball next to Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn ImagesW-L: 5-12Win%: .294The Jazz are still trying to find footing this season — wins have been scarce and struggles on both ends clear. It seems they’re more focused on building for the future than competing for a playoff spot.LA Clippers
LA Clippers guard Cam Christie (12) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the second half at Kia Center. Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesW-L: 5-13Win%: .278The Clippers are enduring a tough campaign, with significant inconsistency and too many losses. Unless things shift dramatically, they look unlikely to make a meaningful postseason run.Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings guard Zach Lavine (8) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn ImagesW-L: 5-14Win%: .263The Kings have had a disappointing start and need to rediscover cohesion fast. Without a turnaround, this season may be all about building and retooling.Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesW-L: 5-14Win%: .263The Mavericks are currently among the worst in the West, struggling on both ends of the floor. A long season ahead may force them to shift focus toward younger players and future planning.New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesW-L: 3-16Win%: .158The Pelicans are having a rough season, with few bright spots and a significant gap to climb. They’ll likely need more than a strong finish to make any postseason noise.Conclusion
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) react after a foul during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
As December rolls in, every game starts to matter a little more, and the West is only getting more competitive. If these trends continue, we’re in for a fun and unpredictable stretch of basketball in the weeks ahead.