As the 2025-26 NBA season reaches its midway point, the focus shifts to the status of teams in the Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder maintain their position as the top seed, standing as heavy championship favorites despite a recent dip in their performance following a remarkable 24-1 start.
Debate surrounds who should claim the title of the second-best team in the West. The San Antonio Spurs managed to defeat the Thunder three times earlier this season but have since cooled off after an impressive eight-game winning streak in December. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have shown strong resilience while awaiting the return of star player Nikola Jokić from injury, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have demonstrated consistent improvement since the season’s quarter mark. The Houston Rockets, boasting the second-best net rating in the league, have added intriguing depth to the competition.
The Dallas Mavericks are currently struggling, holding a record of 16-26 and ranking 27th in offense. Despite the team’s struggles, there is some hope on the horizon with young talent Cooper Flagg emerging as a potential star, putting up impressive numbers even as injuries plague the roster, including that of Anthony Davis who is expected to miss significant time.
The Denver Nuggets are highlighted for their outstanding performance with a record of 28-13, ranking first in offensive output and fifth in net rating. Notably, Peyton Watson has made a significant leap, stepping up in the absence of Jokić, although the team must navigate injuries to other key players while seeking to maintain their championship aspirations.
The Golden State Warriors, sitting at 23-19, have had a turbulent season marked by the inconsistent performances of their supporting cast outside of star player Stephen Curry. The Warriors need to bolster their roster to compete effectively against stronger teams.
Among former heavyweights, the Los Angeles Lakers are managing to stay competitive at 24-15, but face challenges with their defensive output and overall cohesion on the court. The Memphis Grizzlies, too, are facing uncertainty surrounding star player Ja Morant, as they contemplate potential trades to reshape their future amidst a season marked by lower-than-expected performance.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged with a solid 27-14 record, showcasing a balanced attack led by strong contributions from key players. However, questions about their depth remain as they eye a playoff run.
While the New Orleans Pelicans struggle with a dismal 10-33 record, their rookie talent offers a glimmer of hope as they look to build for the future. Yet, the Sacramento Kings are facing the stark reality of a season to forget at 11-30, dwarfing any constructive outcomes. They find themselves in the depths of the standings, looking ahead to the draft for a fresh start.
The Spurs, riding a 28-13 record as well, are a surprise success story this season, demonstrating growth well ahead of schedule with young talent flourishing.
The second half of the season promises to be as competitive as ever as teams jostle for playoff positioning in a stacked Western Conference. With the trade deadline approaching, many franchises will be contemplating moves to adjust their trajectories, while others commit to developing their younger players in hopes of building a brighter future.