Here are 4 calculated opinions on how the 2024–25 Western Conference standings might change. Odds change so very often. You can make more calculated decisions while making use of these possibilities.

Scenario 1

After adding Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, OKC should repeat as the Western Conference’s top team.

Key questions are shared by all teams in the next tier: What effects will Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure have in Denver? To what extent will Dallas benefit from having a “Splash Bro”? Is Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle a better match for Minnesota than Karl-Anthony Towns?

Despite adding a new coach and point guard, Phoenix’s great trio only played 41 games together the previous season, so their health will be crucial. Following an injury-plagued season last year, Memphis should be back in the running for 50 wins with solid health.

Realistically, the Pelicans, Kings, Warriors, and Lakers may place among the top six and earn a spot in the playoffs. Alternatively, they might participate in the SoFi Play-In Tournament, like they did the previous season.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Denver Nuggets
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Phoenix Suns
6. Memphis Grizzlies
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Sacramento Kings
9. Golden State Warriors
10. Los Angeles Lakers

Scenario 2

With so many of their players still having unrealized potential, the Thunder are young and talented enough to require and value the top seed. The Timberwolves switched things up just as we were beginning to like their two-big throwback strategy. However, team president Tim Connelly and coach Chris Finch are experienced.

Reputations and perhaps legacies are on the line, therefore the Suns need to improve. As of right now, I don’t think Denver’s depth loss over the last two summers can be overcome. Dallas isn’t really “building”; what we witnessed last spring was the best version of this Mavericks team, and it’s difficult to duplicate. Watching the Kings will always be entertaining. I can’t doubt Stephen Curry’s background enough to give Golden State a lower ranking. Regarding the Pelicans, do you have faith in Zion Williamson’s resilience once more? I wish you luck.

1.  Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Phoenix Suns
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Sacramento Kings
7. Golden State Warriors
8. New Orleans Pelicans
9. Los Angeles Lakers
10. Houston Rockets

Scenario 3

The Thunder are the overwhelming favorites to win the Western Conference, but the Wolves’ defense will win them a lot of games. Anything may happen after that, but it would be foolish to overlook the talent of the following three teams on this list: Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix.

Given how deep the West is, at least two teams must fall short of expectations, and the two (ostensibly competitive) teams from Los Angeles are the ones on the outside looking in. If Kawhi Leonard isn’t healthy, the Clippers will have a top-10 defense but a weak offensive line. Given that they had the 11th-best point differential in the West the previous season and that LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed just 11 and six games, respectively, the Lakers might also be in for a decline.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Phoenix Suns
6. Sacramento Kings
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Memphis Grizzlies
9. Golden State Warriors
10. Houston Rockets

Scenario 4

Young teams are seizing the top territory and the old guard is eroding as the takeover takes place. Oklahoma City should have more than 60 victories and be a clear No. 1 seed.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry are at the opposite end. They used to compete for championships every June. They are now battling merely to qualify for the playoffs.

Memphis could surprise everyone and finish in the top four, so watch out for them. Klay Thompson’s ability to make the open jumper could determine if the Mavs make it back to the NBA Finals.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Phoenix Suns
6. Memphis Grizzlies
7. Sacramento Kings
8. New Orleans Pelicans
9. Los Angeles Lakers
10. Golden State Warriors

Conclusion

There is a lot of potential with the OKC Thunder. Read the next forecast to see what lies ahead for the Eastern Conference.