2023-2024 NBA Standings Predictions: The Nets silence haters

Oct 19, 2023; Palm Desert, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

The Western Conference

1-Denver Nuggets

2-Phoenix Suns

3-Los Angeles Lakers

4-Sacramento Kings

5-Los Angeles Clippers

6-Minnesota Timberwolves

7-Golden State Warriors

8-Oklahoma City Thunder

9-Dallas Mavericks

10-Memphis Grizzlies

11-New Orleans Pelicans

12-San Antonio Spurs

13-Houston Rockets

14-Utah Jazz

15-Portland TrailBlazers

There are no historically bad teams in the Western Conference anymore, which should make for an intriguing playoff race, as all 15 teams have a true shot to make the playoffs if things line up.

Anthony Edwards is poised to take a leap toward super-stardom this year, which should lead Minnesota to a higher playoff seed than expected. The Thunder will continue to ascend, while New Orleans’s rough season will lead to many offseason changes.